Teaching Kids the Value of Work

With school starting, it is a great time to teach children new chores and encourage them to help around the house.  This list of age appropriate chores is taken from kidsactivitiesblog.com.  This is just a suggested guideline as you know your children best and can tailor the list to fit your family. You may also want to include a system for motivating your children to follow through with their chores.

Another suggestion from kidsactivitesblog.com is to be patient as you teach children of any age a new task.  Don't expect perfection immediately.  If they do a horrible job, just show them how to do it again - they will get it eventually.  Don't give in to whining or complaining.  Let your children know what is expected of them. The earlier you start, the more normal it is for them to help out around the house.

Toddler (Ages 2-3)

• Pick Up Toys (show them how)
• Bring plate and cup to the sink after a meal
• Straighten covers on the bed
• Put dirty clothes into the hamper
• Wipe up spills

Preschooler (Ages 4-5)

• All Toddler jobs
• Make the bed
• Help put clothes in washing machine/dryer
• Help put clothes away
• Take out recycling
• Load dishes into dishwasher
• Dust
• Feed animals
• Water flowers

Elementary (Ages 6-8)

• All Preschool & Toddler Jobs
• Set table
• Wash dishes in sink
• Put clean clothes away on own
• Collect garbage around the house
• Sweep
• Vacuum
• Get mail
• Rake leaves
• Put away groceries
• Wash car

Older Elementary (Ages 9-11)

• All Toddler, Preschool, & Elementary Jobs
• Help in meal preparation
• Clean toilets
• Clean bathroom sinks, counters, mirrors
• Walk dogs
• Take garbage cans to curb
• Mow lawn
• Clean animal cages
• Shovel snow
• Help make/pack lunch
• Change sheets on bed

Middle School (Ages 12-14)

• All above chores
• Clean showers/tub
• Wash/Dry clothes
• Mop floors
• Gardening/Yard work
• Help supervise younger children