kids and chores

[PamE]

Don't mix! :0) Just kidding! Seriously, I'm wondering how you all delegate chores to your children. How much do you expect of them at what ages? What was expected of YOU when you were their age? Do you think you're too hard on them, or too lax, or have a good balance?

Our children are dd10, ds 6 1/2, dd5. They all help pick up their stuff and the younger two will do small chores when I ask. The oldest dd empties the dishwasher, switches clothes from the washer to dryer, and helps me fold laundry. I would really like to get on a schedule so that I don't have to ask every time something needs done!

I want to prepare all of my children for running a home of their own someday, but am not sure how to go about doing it! I was never "taught" how to do chores but it was required that they were done and done well. By the time I was 12 I was doing all of the cleaning but no laundry or cooking. In fact I don't think I ever really did either of those things until I was married. I don't want that to happen to my kids. I want them to be involved in everything it takes to run a household.

[Mickey]

Pam, ds is 5 and he vacuums, feeds and gives water to the dog, clears his plate from the table, puts his toys away. He pretty much does what I ask without too much resistence. He LOVES to help me cook and loves to wash dishes (sure that won't last long! LOL!).

I can't remember what I had to do at 5 years old, but later I had quite a bit to do. My mother showed me the "right" way to do things. My brother could cook and do laundry for himself as soon as he was capable. My mom prepared us all very well. And we never got paid to do anything (think we covered the payment for chores thing, but as members of the family, we were expected to do our part).

[arianna]

MM! My boys are responsible for feeding and watering the dogs, making their beds, folding their laundry, taking the trash out,setting and clearing the table, tidying the bathroom when they are through, and the upkeep of their bedroom. I don't expext them to do things as I would, but I do require they make an effort to do their best. Sometimes a gentle reminder is necessary ;-). ßß!

[Sasha Rowan]

I require my 5 yr old ds to clear his plate from the table, fold his laundry (with help), pick up generally, and put dirty clothes in hamper. He also fetches things for me when I have my hands full.

I would like my 2 yr dd to help pickup toys and put her dirty clothes in hamper, but she would rather help take care of baby brother. :rolleyes:

Anyone got suggestions for motivating toddlers?:banghead: :biglaugh:

[PamE]

After reading your responses I think I'm a bit too easy on my dc! I just found Fly Lady Mentor and absolutely love her tips on getting your life together. I figure if I can get my act together myself I can better teach my children how to. :)

As for motivating toddlers..... the only thing that ever worked for me was working along side of them. Otherwise it was like talking to the wind, LOL!

[Karen]

As I was reading the posts, I was thinking of www.flylady.net. They talk frequently about getting your dks into the habit of routines, decluttering, etc. In fact, todays, e-mail talked about it. I got that site recommendation from this board. PamE, was it you who posted about it several months back? In any event, I am finding it very helpful although I have a ways to go. And if you could see my house now, you'd wonder if I was even trying! LOL

[pumpkin994]

Hi, there,

My dc have a few chores that they do, not alot though.
Would like my older ds age 61/2 todo more. Right now he has to pick up toys, clear the table, take his own laundry to the hamper. I amtrying to get him to make his own bed, but he has some trouble and it is hard since it is a bunk bed,
Does anyone have any other suggestions at what he could do? Besides his homework as well since he is going into grade two he is going to have alot more than last year.

My other ds age 3, has a few chores to do too. He brings his plate from the table to the counter, helps pick up toys(sometimes) and once in awhile takes his clothes to the hamper.

Would like to get him to do a bit more since he likes to help but not to sure what.

Talk to you soon:roll:

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by pumpkin994
Hi, there,

My dc have a few chores that they do, not alot though.
Would like my older ds age 61/2 todo more. Right now he has to pick up toys, clear the table, take his own laundry to the hamper. I amtrying to get him to make his own bed, but he has some trouble and it is hard since it is a bunk bed,
Does anyone have any other suggestions at what he could do? Besides his homework as well since he is going into grade two he is going to have alot more than last year.

My other ds age 3, has a few chores to do too. He brings his plate from the table to the counter, helps pick up toys(sometimes) and once in awhile takes his clothes to the hamper.

Would like to get him to do a bit more since he likes to help but not to sure what.

Talk to you soon:roll:


Maybe a chore you could add for your older ds would be to have him help set the table?
My dks (2 & 4) love it when I let them help with any chore that I am doing. When I dust, they dust with me. There are fights over the vacuum cleaner. They like to help unload the dishwasher, help fold laundry (towels are pretty easy), etc. Granted it may take longer or they don't do it as well, but they have fun and love feeling "grown up" while they are learning some household basics. :)