Chores serve several purposes. One way is to have some additional help with household and yard duties. Another is listening to instruction and following directions. And, the last but what I feel is the best purpose, is they help teach responsibility.

Did you ever want a pet when you were growing up? Do you remember one of the first things you would say after you asked? I will feed it and clean up after it. Ah! You were using your powers of persuasion to make the argument that you would be responsible. Did it work? 🙂

Children can begin at a young age to help with chores around the house. Always show your child how you would like the chore to be done and follow up with them afterwards to see that it was done according to your directions and satisfaction. Here are some ideas to consider, but make a list based upon the capability of your child.

Ages 2-3

• Pick up toys, books
• Put dirty clothes in laundry
• “Wash” dishes
• “Sweep” floor

Ages 4-5

• Help make bed
• Fill empty pet bowl (water, food with supervision)
• Help set the table
• Match socks

Ages 6-7

• Straighten bedroom
• Make bed
• Get the mail
• Put away folded laundry
• Collect garbage from around the house
• Help set the table

Ages 8-9

• Pick up room, things around the house
• Fold laundry
• Set the table
• Make simple lunches (sandwiches; humus and veggies, etc.)
• Bake desserts (with supervision)
• Load/ unload dishes in dishwasher
• Put away dishes

Ages 10-11

• Be responsible for personal items (Pick up, put away)
• Iron clothes
• Rake leaves
• Collect library books and get ready for returning
• Clean bathroom
• Load washing machine (with supervision)
• Put clothes in dryer
• Take out and bring back garbage cans on trash day

Ages 12-13

• Keep room tidy
• Change bedsheets
• Take showers regularly (For you mothers of boys, I had to put that one in!)
• Mow the lawn
• Watch younger siblings for short periods of time
• Prepare basic meals
• Unload washing machine and dryer
• Vacuum
• Per care (walking dog. grooming cat, etc.)

Ages 14+

• Do all chores from younger ages
• Watch siblings
• Check automobile’s oil, change tires
• Bring in and put away groceries
• Do family’s or own laundry
• Mop the floor
• Create one meal a week.

Of course, you can do other things with chores.

• Add or delete what chores that work for your family. The above lists were just to give you an idea of things your child could do. Many of these chore options were taken from the Focus on the Family’s website.
• You create cards with chore descriptions for easy reference once you have instructed and overseen chores.
• You can create a simple chore chart with the name of the chore on the left-hand side and the days of the week that you want them completed on the right-hand side.
• You can have your child earn some cash by giving them a weekly allowance. How much to pay then is up to you. This would be a terrific finance lesson on saving, spending, giving to the church or another charitable organization.

Have a great week! ~Lisa ~