How much should we ask our kids to do around the house? This is a question I get a lot when I’m speaking to mom groups and let me tell you, everyone has a different opinion on this.
After working with hundreds of families over the years in my organizing business while raising my own twins, I’ve seen the whole “chores” spectrum. There are the parents who don’t require their kids to lift a finger and the ones who have their kids doing their own laundry by age seven. There are chore charts, reward systems, punishment systems, payment systems, and open bribery (pleaaasseee Johnny, help mommy and I’ll buy you ice cream).
How Much Should Kids Do Around the House?
I have made so many mistakes when it comes to my kids, but when it’s all said and done, here’s what I’ve decided:
1.Basic Responsibilities
There are basic responsibilities that each person in the family has just because we live here. No other reason. You live here, so you have some things you’ve got to do.
These basic things are unique to your family, but they are daily tasks that contribute to running the house. In our home they are: make your bed, put your clothes in the hamper every time, and put things away that you use, toys included.
2. Chore List
At each age, starting at age 2, kids can have a chore list. This is extra to your basic responsibilities and you may decide if they get paid for these chores—it’s totally up to you. We pay for the chores, but not for basic responsibilities. Each year of my twin’s lives, they have had chores and now that they are teens, the chores are bigger. Each day or week these chores must be done or we deduct from their payment or allowance. Just like a job, if you don’t do it, you don’t get paid your full pay. No bargaining. Some have argued that kids have a lot on their plates with school and sports and other commitments, and I agree; our kids are busier than ever. Still, participating in the functioning of a home isn't punishment, it's the contribution of living in a home. And these skills are for life.
Teaching kids these two levels of daily tasks and chores has a million life lessons in them. But not doing them teaches them two: someone else will do things for me and that someone is usually mom! Listen moms, you are giving yourself and your child a gift when you teach them basic living responsibilities. They will make better spouses, better roommates, and most of all, you won’t be the one doing everything it takes to run a home. Bottom line: kids can do much more if we’ll let them.
Do you have your kids do chores in your house? What types of chores are they responsible for?
image courtesy of santiagosinphilly.blogspot.com
Amy started Simplified Living 8 years ago when she wanted to stay home with her kids, but still make money. It has grown to now include not only home organizing, but corporate organizing and productivity training. Amy regularly speaks to large groups, has a TV segment on the Hampton Roads Show called Organize Your Life, and blogs about how to Live Better on her website, AmyVolk.com. Amy is a Registered Nurse by trade, was a Navy Officer and corporate trainer after leaving the Navy, and has always had a knack for organizing! She has 13-year-old twins, Mallory and Riley, has been married to Dave for 19 years. She lives in Virginia Beach and loves shoes, coffee, and books.
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