Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Considering how much there is to teach children as they grow up, it’s important to utilise every educational opportunity going. One way to teach kids a lot of important life lessons is to include them in household chores. Every family will have a different way of doing this, but incorporating all members in the daily tasks required to keep a household going is important and highly beneficial, specially to children. Here are five benefits of including kids in household chores.

  1. They learn responsibility
    Asking children to complete simple tasks means they get used to being accountable for what they do and learn to take responsibility for it. This is vital for so many things in life, it’s certainly worth learning early on.
  2. They understand how to do practical things
    Maybe your kid doesn’t know how to fix a leaking tap at the moment, but if a problem like this arises use the opportunity to look it up and work out how to do it together. This is a good way of developing those problem solving skills, which will surely be important in the future of your child.
  3. When everyone helps, there’s less to do
    This is as good a reason as any. You’re a busy, stressed out parent and children can help! If children understand that everyone has to help around the house – from parents to siblings – they will develop a sense of community which will help with their teamwork skills plus their will to help others voluntarily.
  4. They can earn money for themselves
    Opinions vary on this, but some parents believe in giving children pocket money for completed chores. You could do this on the basis of what they do or even of how successfully they do it. This practice can also help your little ones learn the value of money, understanding that it comes from hard work and discipline.
  5. It builds a sense of pride
    When you complete a task well you feel good about yourself. Household chores done efficiently and effectively can become a source of pride for youngsters. Learning the benefits of hard work will stand them in good stead for the long-term. Plus, they will grow to become independent adults. 

Convinced? Here are some appropriate chores for each age group:

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3 – 6 year olds

  • Pick up toys
  • Fold towels
  • Wipe surfaces with soap and water
  • Dust small areas
  • Set table for meals

7 – 10 year olds

  • Sweep floors
  • Wash dishes
  • Take clothes out of the washing machine
  • Hang clothes up
  • Look after pets
  • Vacuum

11 – 15 year olds

  • Help make dinner
  • Iron clothes (under adult supervision)
  • Clean the bedroom and bathroom with non-toxic substances
  • Supervise the chores of younger children
  • Wash the car

So whether it’s simple things like dusting or more complex tasks like learning how to fix a leaking tap, there’s always a way to involve kids in household chores and many good reasons to do so!

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