It’s a little too soon for me to chime in on parenting advice since my little one is only 2 years old. Most days I have no clue what I’m doing and am basically winging it the best way I know how. BUT, I do know a thing or two about chores and training up a child in the way they should go!
What I know is what was instilled in me as a child and I’d like to share that with you!
Below are lists of age appropriate chores that will encourage your children to be better future adults. Comment suggestions below if you’ve found other great solutions to teaching your kids the value of putting in work!
Ages 2 – 4:
- Cleaning up messes they’ve made (This includes drink spills, putting away toys, etc.)
- Helping feed the animals (Make sure the food is in a container with a cup – it’s totally hilarious (and messy) when your little one decides to pick up the entire bag and pour it “in”. 😉)
- Putting dirty clothes in the hamper
- Helping dust furniture (Most kids actually love dusting at this age.)
Ages 5 – 7:
- All of the above chores
- Make their bed in the morning (Be sure to make your own to set an example of what you expect.)
- Help put groceries away
- Help load the dishwasher (knives excluded)
- Bring in the mail (If you’re not on a busy street. This should be used at your discretion!)
- Keep their bedroom clean
Ages 8 – 10:
- All of the above chores
- All personal hygiene should be mastered at this age. (Some kids even need deodorant!)
- Sweeping and vacuuming
- Loading and unloading the dishwasher (with parental supervision)
- Take out the garbage
- Folding their own laundry and putting it away
- Setting the table before mealtime
Ages 11 – Teen:
- All of the above chores
- Wash family car
- Help clean the entire house (bathrooms, bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc.)
- Doing their own laundry – start to finish
- Learning to budget money (giving an allowance and showing the correct way to allocate funds)
As a parent, we must remember to model the behavior we’d like to see in our children. The “do as I say, not as I do” mentality is the least effective parenting method. You’re doing a great job, Momma! Keep up the good work. 😊
