While we have an abundance of time at home (ok, I’m sort of kidding about the abundance of time part, but not the part about being at home), I thought it would be a great time to start teaching the kids some more chores and implementing more responsibilities. For reference, we have three kids: an 11-year-old boy, a six-year-old girl, and an almost five-year-old boy.
Not only do the kids need structure and discipline amidst a global pandemic—being stuck at home, remote/virtual learning, and the list goes on—but we can always use more help, right? I’ve noticed our kids just automatically start doing the tasks that we’ve implemented since March. I rarely have to ask, and even if I do, I don’t have to repeat myself a million times to the point of me becoming the psycho mom who’s always yelling. To follow are some of the chores we have been able to hand off to the kids.
Responsibilities for Kids Ages 2-5
I’ve found the best chores and responsibilities to implement at this age are things they are responsible for anyway. Very simple tasks like putting their shoes away in the closet, nicely, and hanging up jackets and coats.
Then, we started to introduce putting their laundry away. Our son is still working on figuring out what goes where (honestly, he might just be lazy), but he at least gets it put away. He also does a great job at scooping up all of his clothes on the floor and putting them in the laundry basket (insert sarcasm because half those clothes aren’t dirty…but we’re getting to that).
Another great one for our four-year-old is helping to put the clean silverware away or hand me dishes to help put clean dishes away. I just pull out the knives at the beginning and away we go!
Responsibilities for Kids Ages 6-9
We’re just hitting this age bracket, but we’ve had a few successful things. I think the biggest and most notable addition to add to this age bracket is to start getting them integrated into the kitchen. Tasks like getting their own cereal together or putting items back in the pantry when done are simple to achieve.
I also think it’s important to teach and let them shadow you at this age in all things kitchen-related. My daughter absolutely LOVES helping to cook. We had a special counter stool for her when she was younger, and now she uses a collapsible stool to get her own water cup down, get her water, etc. We have a special cupboard for all their plastic ware, so we don’t run the risk of glass breaking and her getting cut. She can put all dishes away safely, and, I also have her set the table and clean up with me quite often.
Kids this age, my daughter included, can also help with laundry, including putting it away properly and helping change loads over. If you have animals, it’s great to make the kids primarily responsible for feeding, watering, etc.
Responsibilities for Kids Ages 9-12
By this time, I have them doing a lot of the daily chores, just some with supervision. Our eleven-year-old does all of the above at times, but we also have him assist in a variety of chores around the property including mowing the lawn, weeding, and trash duty.
He also helps with dishes, vacuuming, and mopping. While he’s less interested in cooking and kitchen duties, I do involve him in baking for the primary purpose of learning measurements. He is also more than capable of cooking basic items for himself and taking care of dishes.
Have them help where you’re comfortable.
Each family is different and family dynamics, your house setup, and the overall maturity of your child(ren) all play a factor in what chores and responsibilities are ok to implement and when. The point is just to help teach them responsibility along the way and hold them accountable for a few tasks. And, there’s no better time than now, while we’re all staying safe at home.
