Cody and cousin Nehemiah

Why do I Love Giving my Kids Chores

By on Family

Teaching your kids how to learn certain life skills takes energy, patience, determination, and flexibility as they learn and make mistakes on the way. Yet, the value of teaching how to do chores not only benefits you, but also your child for now and the years to come.

Let’s be honest here. There is always work… loads and loads of work. It’s truly never ending because you still wake up the next day to wear clothes, eat off plates, and for some reason there is always dust and debris on the ground even after sweeping the floor. I am still trying to figure that one out. Although the workload is substantial, it can still feel overwhelming to start a routine that includes the kids in the cleaning process because in the beginning it’s more work. It can seem so laborious that many opt out of the teaching process of chores all together.

Yet, you will find the benefits of teaching a kid to do chores is a win, win, win. Persevere through rough moments and you will be able to enjoy the fruits of the labor.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s begin! 

Benefits

  1. Helps kids see the bigger picture beyond themself. They see the work and energy poured into keeping the house afloat.
  2. You are preparing your kids for when they are an adult. So they don’t have to learn these things when they have the pressure of life and responsibilities weighing on them.
  3. They learn work ethic. 
  4. Chores help them take care of their stuff and be held accountable if they mess it up. 
  5. You will have more time to spend with your kids.
  6. Kids will be more appreciative and less entitled when they are a part of the process. I could make spaghetti every day for a year, but then as soon as they help make the dinner, it is the best thing they have ever tried. 

Chore Allowance

In our house we do a chore allowance chart on a spreadsheet and write chores two weeks out. Then, everyday they can check the date and know what their responsibility is for the day. In the beginning, there is more prompting and teaching how to do each skill. So don’t overwhelm yourself or your kids, just slowly introduce something new every couple weeks.

I opt out of a traditional chore on Sunday. They have to still keep up with their room, but they don’t have to do the additional workload.

Then every couple of weeks I review the list to see if anything needs to be altered. 

This is our chore chart ↓

As an incentive we pay them a chore allowance. Half their age for 7 days of work. This helps them learn how to use their money…the goal is wisely. We are still working on that part, but they are learning how expensive things are, and if their coveted item is worth their earnings. They are also encouraged to tithe off the top of the earnings. 

I print out a chore allowance chart and add their names to keep track. 

https://www.whatmommydoes.com/blank-printable-weekly-chore-chart/

Make chores a habit

I heard it said, “Anything worth having takes sacrifice.” There are few things in life that are beneficial that do not take some sacrifice to become a habit. Supposedly, it takes over 2 months of doing something before it becomes a habit. This alone can seem daunting, but keep on pressing forward.

I am thankful for chores and for the ability to work together as a team to accomplish a goal, and believe me there is plenty to go around. :)

Izzy and cousin Esther

Chores applicable by age:

3-5

  • Match socks
  • Put away clothes
  • Put away silverware
  • Picking up toys/books
  • Feed Pets
  • Start learning how to make bed
  • Dusting
  • Ask: what can I do to help?

6-9

  • Help prepare meals with mom
  • Set/clear the table
  • Load dishwasher
  • Empty dishwasher
  • Vacuum with guidelines and possible supervision
  • Clean windows (be careful of the overzealous sprayers) :)
  • Fold clothes
  • Empty trash cans
  • Pull weeds
  • Sweep
  • Ask: what can I do to help?

10-13

  • Possibly cook a meal following recipe
  • Clean Bathroom
  • Wash floors
  • Organize
  • Do chores from earlier stages 
  • Waking up and doing morning responsibilities without prompting
  • Increased lawn care
  • Wash car
  • Help younger siblings
  • Ask: what can I do to help? 

Chores and responsibility are a part of life. There will be days when your kids are frustrated with the whole process, but be diligent to instill the importance of responsibility at a young age. You will not regret it and your kids will be thankful for it. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6