It has been proven that if you allow your kids to do chores around the house, they feel a sense of responsibility and achievement. It also gives you the needed break along with teaching them life skills. I have compiled a list of chores your little ones can help you with.
In this article, I will discuss younger kids. Specifically preschoolers and kindergarteners. Doing chores around the house helps them develop gross motor skills, learn problem-solving, and feel a sense of belonging. They learn to value work and become more independent as they grow up. It makes them feel like a part of the team and encourages them to be good citizens. Chores do not have to be tiring or even perfectly done! Just letting them contribute around the house can go a long way in inculcating the habit as they become bigger.
Chores Your Kids Can Do:
1. Clean Their Toys
Children can make a lot of mess throughout the day! It takes only a few minutes to scatter all the toys they play with. Make a habit to let them clean after themselves and put the toys in their appropriate places. Organizing baskets for different types of toys will make a place for all kinds of toys. And also give them an idea about keeping toys in the assigned place. It teaches them to value their toys and take care of them.
2. Folding Clothes and Putting them in Place
Yes, you cannot expect little children to make great creases and fold clothes properly. But it is a great skill to teach them. Folding clothes is a drag and even I hate doing it! So you might have to make it interesting. If they get into the habit of picking up clothes, folding them, and keeping them in their drawers, it will help them in the future. Also, you do not have to break your back picking up clothes from everywhere.
3. Vacuuming
My children are always around when I am vacuuming the house. And they particularly find this activity interesting. Many times my older one who is 4 and a half helps me vacuum. She started by imitating me and doing it for fun. But the idea that she was helping me clean the dirt motivated her to help more. This is an easier chore than sweeping for little kids as they are still not coordinated enough to sweep properly. It works well if you have a light vacuum. Not only is it fun for them but also a great idea to involve them in an easy way.
4. Setting the Table
Your kids can help you by carrying the utensils and placing them on the table. My daughter loves to carry bowls of food and give them to her daddy. She gains a lot of satisfaction when she is praised for helping mummy and daddy. It is a chore that they can help you with daily. Also, placing their utensils in the sink after eating also helps them to learn how to clean after themselves whenever they eat.
4. Keep Dirty Clothes in the Laundry Basket
Children can put their dirty clothes directly in the baskets after removing them. Children have a habit of scattering clothes everywhere. Keeping clothes in the laundry basket can ease the headache of gathering clothes from around the house. Though my toddler who is 15 months old loves dragging out clothes from the laundry basket, my older one tries to put them back.
How to Teach
Though you might have a clear idea of the chores your little ones can do, getting them done might become another chore for you. There are times when I feel it is better to do it myself than letting my child do it as I can get it done faster. But my husband is persistent that she should know what is expected of them. And also there should be consistency. Otherwise, children might not take their chores seriously and will also not inculcate the habit of doing them daily.
Demonstrate and Praise
So, first, we have to teach ourselves to be patient and monitor and teach. Though children like to imitate their parents and want to do things accordingly you will have to correctly show them. Demonstrate how a table can be set or how your child can keep toys in their proper place. Let them take time and watch. Once they are aware of what is required of them they will do it faster. I have heard it is easier to get chores done by younger kids as they find helping parents interesting and rewarding. They find it boring as they grow up. I do not have experience with older kids so I am writing only about the younger ones.
Also, once your child gets used to the chores they will do them willingly and without being asked. It will become a part of their daily routine and a necessary thing that they need to do. Also, it is very important to praise and thank them for all the chores done. This will give them a sense of achievement and make them feel useful.
Ask for Help
Another way to get chores done easily is to ask for help rather than ordering them around. This approach helps with younger kids as they love praise and seek applause. Also, the fact that they are important and can help their parents, provides them great satisfaction. I ensure to ask my child to help me whenever I need to get chores done.
Teaching kids early and young helps to create a routine and habit. But be aware of age-appropriate chores and do not impose chores not suitable for your kids.
Do let us know in the comments how you encourage and help your kids learn chores and do them around the house. We are looking forward to your helpful tips!
Leave a Reply