I often get asked about the chores and reward system that I place upon my children, in addition to the extent that I allow my kids to be independent. Now, I grew up in a household where I was taught early on how to sweep, mop, dust, wash dishes, scrub bathrooms, and prep food for everyday meals and parties. This was pretty much routine for my sisters and me, and we were not rewarded by candy or money. We were also expected to get it done right or do it again until it is spotless.
Now, with my kids I am not as strict but since they were about 3 and 4 years of age I have started chores that they must do. Over the past years I have given them more responsibilities as they grow older, and ‘extra’ chores that they may do if they choose to, which will be rewarded either through spending money or a treat.
Chores for a 3-4 year old
I started them off on something basic:
-setting the place settings on the table for dinner and after dinner
-clearing the table and placing the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and leftover food on the kitchen counter
-cleaning the table and counters with a soapy sponge and a dry rag
-making the bed (I did not care that it was not perfect as long as the pillows are where they should be and the blanket is flat across the bed)
-cleaning their toys (I started this when they were 1-2) I kept several plastic bins with a taped labeled photograph on the outside so the kids can see what is supposed to go on the inside, since they could not read, yet.
-wiping down their bathroom sink after brushing their own teeth (I do inspection afterwards to make sure they did a good job)
-dusting the house
Chores for a 5-6 year old
All of the above and:
- sweeping and dusting the floor
- emptying/loading dishwasher
- taking out trash to the trash can outside
- feed the cat
Chores for a 7-8 year old
All of the above and:
- taking care of their own laundry (they still need a stool in order to reach the clothes at the bottom of the top loading machine)
- getting the mail from the mailbox (our subdivision has mailboxes clustered together, kind of like apartments, instead of on your own property, so my son has to walk across the street to get the mail.)
- starting homework on their own (I don’t really guide them through their everyday work anymore, I just check and critique it when they show me it after they have finished.)
-occasionally help with preparing meals (I bought my 8 year old a pair of smaller santoku knives to begin teaching him knife safety and how to prepare some food)
My little man making brownies from scratch (and yes he used the stove himself to melt the butter and chocolate)
-vacuuming the house (an extra chore, because I usually get this done during they day. They usually do this if I am too busy)
-cleaning their bathroom (As an additional chore, I will probably make them fully responsible for it later on, but right now this is an extra.)
-cleaning windows (an extra chore)
I also have them weed the yard once in a while, more for them to get their energy out rather than for them to get the chore done. Although they do enjoy gardening when it comes time to plant new veggies, herbs, and flowers. I can’t wait until they are old enough to mow the lawn, so I don’t have to do it anymore. :) The kids usually don’t complain about their jobs, just because it has become so routine that it is normal for them. I tend to run my household on a loose schedule with estimated times for when certain things should be done, but most of the time my munchkins are free to play, read, and explore on their own.
