Child-Friendly Chores

Apparently, I am a mean parent. Apparently, I’m the worse! No one else’s parents are this strict. Nobody else has to do everything at home. This is my story about age-appropriate chores

I only asked them to tidy their rooms. Although, I did mention independent living too and when they get their own space the teenager chores won’t be put off until next week. I may have pushed it too far when I told them a specific chore was in fact an important skill. And perhaps we should have a weekly planner with a list of smaller chores and pet care.

Age-appropriate chores

It did get me thinking though. Chores and children. At what age is it appropriate to ask the kids to help out with housework? Are certain chores age-related? Should older teens do more regular chores? What are examples of chores?

Washing up and flooded kitchens

When they were younger I used to almost dread them wanting to help with the dirty dishes. It would always end with a flooded kitchen

and all of the pots and pans would need doing again. Looking back, I am glad that I allowed them the freedom to attempt the task at hand. Yes, it created more work for me. However, without realising it taught them some skills and responsibilities to take forwards.

We have been a single-parent household for the best part of nine years now. Having company in the kitchen has been an absolute pleasure for me. Not only with the washing up. All three of mine can load and run the washing machine. Plus, with different levels of supervision, they can all cook a meal. Ironically, it is the eldest that needs the most supervision in that department.

Positive Reinforcement

On a recent camping trip, each of the kids would take in turns to help prepare and cook a meal, and one of the others would help wash up after. This is something I want to implement more at home from now on.

They have each taken something from it and in turn, they have all learned to appreciate each other more. It is a genuine pleasure hearing them all thank each other for a nice meal, rather than hearing the sibling’s squabbles of the past. Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate that the bickering and arguments will still happen. But learning a little respect in between can only be a good idea.

Teenagers Chore List

You may recall from my social media, during the initial lockdown we devised a chore chart. I created a list of chores and under each one was a clear bag containing some money.

If they needed extra pocket money or wanted to save towards a particular item. They could pick a new chore and in effect get paid for it.

Age-appropriate Chores for children

Pocket Money

Each chore ended up having value. Something easy like vacuuming equated to a lower monetary value, compared to cleaning the bathroom or my car for example. Being a little older, this method worked well with my lot. They are forever asking for extra money or saving for something. Plus, they could learn the value of money, together with the value of time and effort.

As an added bonus, I got help with some of the housework, giving me some time to kick back and chill. It is amazing how fresh and clean a family bathroom can look when a teenager wants some pocket money.

Age-appropriate chores for children

To answer my first question. I think it is more to do with the child, rather than age. Some kids will want to be involved earlier than others. I trust my 10-year-old in the kitchen cooking more than I do my 15-year-old. However, he is a dab hand with the iron. Whereas the middle boy would struggle to iron a tea towel! We do try to set daily task and a list of simple chores that take very little time but help me out with my list of daily household chores.

I am a fairly laid-back person by nature, so even when the kids were young. I would happily allow them to help out. This, I believe has certainly given them the skillset and confidence to tackle or attempt most household chores unaided.

Daily household chores

Household tasks or being able to do their own laundry are important life skills and a great way for older kids or their younger siblings to learn time management. They are an easy way to learn about a work schedule. Simple tasks today will aid their adult lives and provide them with valuable life skills.

But today it seems, none of them wants to tidy their own room. Today I am being unreasonable to expect anything from them. Today I am the meanest parent in the world.

I guess you can’t win every battle. And today I do have a clean home but not thanks to the hard work of young people.

So back to the drawing board as I take the first step and find a better way to start a teenager’s chore list.

Age-appropriate chores for children

 

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