Should Kids do Cleaning Chores?
First of all, cleaning chores for kids is a tradition in many families. Chores either help kids learn responsibility or it also gives you some help around the house. As a result, there is no reason that you can’t assign chores for your kids in the home. Below you will find tips for parents, benefits to kids and age appropriate chores list.
Tips for Parents: How to Make Kids Love Cleaning Chores
- Don’t expect perfection- they are just kids, not a professional home cleaning service.
- Start them young- you will be surprised what even the youngest kid can accomplish.
- Praise them! – Do this often. Kids want to feel as if they contribute to the family be sure to let them know that they do.
- Be consistent- If you aren’t consistent then they won’t be either
- Use a chore chart- There are tons of ways to do this. You may make your own, print one off the internet, or even buy one. Kids love earning stickers or checking items as completed on their list. As they get older it’s a way kids can keep up with their chores on their own.
- Allowance- This is not required but it’s recommended if you pay them even a small amount that you teach them the value of money.
There are a few added benefits to cleaning chores for kids as well.
- They become more successful adults
- It helps with their gross and fine motor skills
- Also teach them to work with others
- It also gives them a sense of purpose
- Teaches them self- discipline
- Teaches a delayed gratification response.
- It builds self-esteem
- It also gives them a strong work ethic
- Cleaning also teaches time managements
- It teaches basic life skills (ask a resident dorm advisor for college freshman how many come to school their first year and don’t even know how to do laundry.)
We have discussed benefits of cleaning chores for kids now let’s look at some age appropriate chores for kids. The list that follows is suggestions of chores. You can make modifications as needed per your child.
Age Appropriate Cleaning Chores
Ages 2-3
- Put toys away with supervision.
- Place dirty clothes in a hamper
- Fill a pet food dish
- Pile books and magazines
Ages 4-5
- Make their bed
- Empty trash cans
- Clear table with supervision
- Help water flowers and plants
Ages 6-7
- Sort laundry
- Sweep floors
- Set table
- Keep bedroom tidy
Ages 8-9
- Load dishwasher
- Put away groceries
- Vacuum
- Put away clean clothes
- Take pet for a walk
Ages 10 and up
- Unload dishwasher
- Fold laundry
- Clean bathroom
- Do laundry
- Babysit younger siblings (while an adult is in the home)
- Change their bed sheets
Remember to start kids young. Teach them responsibility and give them a sense of belonging. Follow the parent’s cleaning tips, don’t expect them to be perfect and praise them often for completing chores. Use age appropriate chores, you don’t want your two-year-old doing laundry. There are benefits for parents and children both when assigning chores. Don’t be afraid to give your kids some chores in the home.
