Daily Chores for Kids
Thankfully the kiddos love helping around the house. So when it came to assigning some weekly chores, they were happy to help! We sat them down at the appropriate age and asked them what chores they would like to do and what is expected of them. Now I DO NOT expect perfection. I expect them to do their best, but I do not expect them to do the job exactly as I would do as an adult. I work with them and teach them how to do each job so they can learn to perfect it as they get older. I’ll be sharing ideas for daily chores for kids below.
As toddlers, the kids were expected to pick up their toys in the living room and the rule still stands they have to pick up all of their items and put them in the proper place. Kris’s motto is everything has its place.
I believe it is a family decision on what works best for you and your family and the appropriate age to begin chores. Whether or not to compensate your kids for their chores is also a personal decision.
Family Teamwork
We have decided as family chores are done because you are part of this family. We all work hard to keep the house clean and do our daily part to keep everything organized. But this is a struggle for us some days. We are not perfect and I am definitely not the perfect housewife. Most days you will find piles of laundry to be folded. If you haven’t already noticed!
So instead of compensating for chores, we compensate the kids on reading. We all have heard the saying “Readers are Leaders,” but honestly reading and more reading is so important. We have tried to emphasize this to the kids. It is more of a struggle to get Brydon to read, only because he is not “good” at it. He doesn’t like it. But our goal was to get him reading more, which in turn make him a better reader, and then he would learn to love it. You can learn so much when you read. I have always loved it, and Kris is always reading a book to better himself in work, leadership, and relationships.
Shortly after we implemented being compensated for reading, Brydon had a doctors appointment. He was quick to tell me he needed to get back to school because he had library and didn’t want to miss it. I knew then what we had done was working and we were on the right track to encourage his enthusiasm for reading.
With that said, the kids are still expected to do their daily and weekly chore list. AND if those chores are completed, they will not be compensated for their reading.
Benefits of Giving Your Kids Chores
There are so many studies to prove the benefits of giving your kids chores. It makes them a more successful adult, it is a building block of building confidence that your kids can complete a task successfully. The hands-on work helps build their gross and fine motor skills, along with teaching them life skills.
Having chores gives them a delayed sense of gratification. For the most part, the kids are now paid for their chores. They are a part of this family and we work together as a family. But we will reward their hard work at times and they will save their money for whatever they are wanting! Chores give kids a purpose. It helps them feel important and a part of the family. Studies show that kids that are given chores are proven to be happier kids.
So many life lessons are learned with chores. Kids learn self-discipline which will translate to their school work and career later in life. There are many things in life that we have to do, even if we don’t feel like doing it. It’s often said that successful people are good at doing what other people don’t want to do or couldn’t be bothered doing – they have great self-discipline.
Best Types of Chores for Kids
Taking care of pets
When the kids begged for a pet, I knew the main responsibility would fall on me. It makes sense, I am with the puppies for a majority of the day. But we have made sure the kids are responsible for walking the dogs before school and as soon as they get home from school. If the puppies have an accident they know to clean it up immediately. We have taught them how to measure out their food and make sure they are fed twice a day.
Pulling Weeds
We waited til Brydon was older to assign this chore, so I feel it is a job for the older kids. It is totally not Brydon’s favorite. But it has definitely made for some funny stories!
Taking out Trash
This was actually one of the first “big” chores we had the kids do. They are responsible every night before Trash Day, to gather all of the trash all over the house. Audrey gathers the trash and Brydon takes it out to the curb. Once the garbage has been picked up, he is responsible for taking the trash cans back to their place.
Dusting
One of the best and easiest chores to introduce and even the toddler age can help.
Making Bed/Keeping Room Clean
I have asked the kids to make their bed every morning. I think this sets them up for success as an adult as well. It builds a healthy habit for them. So when they are older, they will already have this routine. I had read an article one time of habits of happy people and making your bed every morning was one of the habits. I feel with a made bed it helps make your room tidier even if it isn’t so clean at the moment.
Cleaning floors with a Dry Mop
This needs to be done at our house daily! It is one easy chore for the kiddos to do. I just stick a swiffer on and as the puppies chase it, the kiddos sweep.
Washing Dishes
Between school water bottles, kids sports water bottles, and our water bottles, we always have a sink full! I taught Audrey how to use the bottle brush and clean the bottles thoroughly. Just a little PS, make sure you show how much soap to use! I may have forgot that part the first time around.
Separating Laundry
I don’t necessarily have the kids separate the laundry, But Audrey’s job is to turn everything right side out. And it is their responsibility to bring their dirty laundry basket down and once clean put all of their clothes away properly.
Setting the Table
I remember this was my responsibility growing up. Audrey now loves helping me and my mom set the table!
Unloading Dishwasher
I assist the kids with this one. If I am cooking or busy with homework, I will ask them to unload the dishwasher and have them put away all of the items within their reach. It is such a time saver for me. (I loathe unloading the dishwasher, along with folding laundry!)
Chore Chart For Multiple Kids
There are so many great options for CHORE CHARTS! This CHORE CHART is one of my favorites because it has a section for “We Noticed”. Kris and I have always tried to give the kiddos positive reinforcements and with this chart you can write it in black and white and the kids are recognized for their hard work! You can write their daily and weekly chore list.
There are so many Apps you can download to help keep track of chores, calendars, and kids can earn rewards. It makes tracking easy for the parent and the child.
BONUS! Downloadable Chart!
I found this CHART and it also has an adorable DIY frame.
XOX
Mandy
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