How Chores Affect Child Development
A new parent wants the best for their child's development. Though there are many developmental guides available to them, one important part of personal development is only partially addressed. That is the development of self esteem and responsibility.
Self esteem is established by a sense of self worth. Self worth is established by the actions one does that brings them a sense of accomplishment. Assigning chores to a child will build self worth, self esteem, responsibility and eventually independence.
Kids who do chores routinely will grow up with feelings of self worth and accomplishment which strengthens their self esteem improving their likelihood of becoming successful.
When Should Kids Do Chores?
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| Setting a chore routine for children builds self confidence, responsibility, and increases the possibility of success. |
It's understandable if your child or children are no longer infants as you start having your child do chores. The suggestion of children doing chores is usually provided after your child has grown out of infancy. However, it's best to start having kids help with chores even when they are babies.
You should know that to get older kids doing chores may be a difficult process, but it can be achieved with patience, dedication, and perseverance.
How to Encourage Kids To Do Chores
Start out with your infant if possible. They are very curious, intelligent energies that start learning and understanding the moment they're born. As soon as you see your precious baby grab for that spoon while you're feeding him/her, it is time to start encouraging chores. These would be self care chores, as that is the most essential tool to having a healthy, successful life.
Start giving chores early on and be consistent. It will be easier for you to get kids to do chores as they can grow into the habit. Keeping in mind to give age appropriate chores, remembering there will be imperfection, and to give praise for the help received will help your child build a healthy routine of doing the chores.
Chores should really be addressed as an act of helping the family. When you start assigning your child chores, ease into it by asking your child to help you get a thing or two, taken care of. You don't want to burden your child or deny them a childhood. Be clear and specific about deadlines and instructions on doing the chores.
Limiting technology when deadlines aren't met will be the most effective means to getting a child to do chores when they refuse. Explaining that in life, every action has a reaction or consequence and chores help them grow into successful, healthy people.
Chores For Kids By Age
I have a list of chores by age, including chores for teenagers that you may find useful when assigning chores. These chores for children by age are a great starting point though all may not apply to your family lifestyle.
If you are being overran with all the family chores weighing you down, it's time to assign some of these chores for kids by age to get help from your child with doing the chores.
Chores For Kids By Age
Chores For Under Age 1 and Up
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Chores For Age 2 and Up
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Chores For Age 3 and Up
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Help brush teeth.
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All previous responsibilities
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All previous responsibilities.
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Help brush hair.
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Help get dressed.
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Help bathe.
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Help feed one's self.
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Help get the diapers and wipes.
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Use the potty.
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Pick up toys and put them in the toy box.
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Clean under bed.
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Pick up pillows and blankets.
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Pick up toys, dirty laundry, and trash from the closet floor.
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Pick up dirty clothes and put them in hamper.
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Fold washcloths and hand towels.
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Pick up any trash on the floor.
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Help wiping spills.
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Put books in a pile.
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Put books on the shelf.
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Help put the folded laundry away.
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This is a list of age appropriate chores for ages under 1 - 3 and up. If you're looking for chores for kids by age that are appropriate for older children, just look below.
Chores For Age 4 and Up
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Chores For Age 5 and Up
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Chores For Ages 6 and Up
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All previous responsibilities.
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All previous responsibilities.
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All previous responsibilities
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Make bed.
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Help dry and put away the dishes they can.
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Sweep floors.
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Feed pets.
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Make easy snacks.
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Sweep patios or porches.
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Water indoor plants.
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Help pull weeds.
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Rake yard.
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Help clear food scraps into trash or compost bucket.
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Help water the garden.
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Remove trash from small trash cans throughout the house.
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Match socks.
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Help stack wood.
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Put recyclables where they belong.
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Restock toilet paper.
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Bring in light groceries.
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Make lunch.
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Help plant garden.
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Take own dirty dishes to the sink.
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Help fold laundry.
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Help sort laundry by colors and empty pockets of dirty laundry.
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Help with making cereal or scrambled eggs.
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Wipe down doorknobs and other easy to reach surfaces with non toxic disinfectant cleaners.
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This is a list of age appropriate chores for ages 4 - 6 and up. If you're looking for chores for kids by age that are appropriate for older children, just look below.
Chores For Ages 7 and Up
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Chores For Ages 8 and Up
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Chores For Ages 9 and Up
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All previous responsibilities.
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All previous responsibilities.
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All previous responsibilities.
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Mop floors.
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Bring in empty trash and recycling cans from the curb.
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Help wash dishes or load and start the dishwasher.
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Fill watering cans or jugs.
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Help bring in and put away groceries.
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Wash and dry laundry.
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Wash off fruits, vegetables, and canned foods.
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Help write grocery list.
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Walk dogs, change cat litter, or clean cages and or aquariums.
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Make teas, lemonaid, drinks from concentrate, or drink mixes.
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Help put left-overs away.
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Clean microwave.
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Load clothes into the washing machine and move clothes from the washer to the dryer.
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Wash windows within reach.
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Make simple salads or scrambled eggs.
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Help clear off counters and tables.
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Help plan the dinner menu for the week.
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Boil pasta, hard boiled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
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Be responsible for homework.
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Help bring firewood in.
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Help bake cookies and mix recipes.
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Shred cheese, Peel carrots, or potatoes.
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Vacuum seat cushions and crevices.
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This is a list of age appropriate chores for ages 7 - 9 and up. If you're looking for chores for kids by age that are appropriate for older children, just look below.
Chores For Ages 10 and Up
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Chores For Ages 11 and Up
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Chores For Ages 12 and Up
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All previous responsibilities.
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All previous responsibilities.
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All previous responsibilities.
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Sew buttons and fix hems.
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Iron and hang clothes.
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Clean showers.
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Make simple meals.
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Clean out the car.
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Clean out the fridge.
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Take out trash from big trash cans in the house and garage.
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Clean out the trash cans.
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Make full meals.
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Clean mirrors in reach.
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Take trash and recycling to the curb.
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Clean yard.
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Prepare herbs, veggies and fruits for meals.
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Clean toilets and bathtubs inside and out.
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Clean sinks and counters.
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This is a list of age appropriate chores for ages 10 - 12 and up. If you're looking for chores for teenagers that are age appropriate, just look below.
Chores For Teenagers
Chores For Ages 13 and Up
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Chores For Ages 14 - 18 and Up
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All previous responsibilities.
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All previous responsibilities.
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Clean and organize one whole room other than own bedroom in the house.
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Start teaching younger siblings how to do their age appropriate chores.
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Help do household repairs and maintenance.
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Supervise younger siblings doing the chores.
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Help do vehicle repairs and maintenance.
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Start exploring job opportunities, such as babysitting, and mowing lawns.
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Wash the vehicles.
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Help cut wood
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This is a list of age appropriate chores for ages 13 - 18 and up.
Chore Charts Keep Your Home Running Smooth
Making a chore chart will help ensure that what needs to be done will get done. I use a weekly chore calendar with my family and assign my family chores based on what needs to be done. You can download free printable chore charts from several websites with just a little google search to get started as soon as possible.
Chores For Money
Should you have your child do chores for money? As the majority of the chores are a tool to give your child the ability to take care of one's self once they are fully grown and they will not be paid for it once they move out I wouldn't suggest it, and many other parenting experts will agree.
Now that you have a list of age appropriate chores for your child/children go get started assigning those chores, but before you go, make sure to follow my work for more great parenting tips and more. Much love and best wishes to you and your family.