Chores for Children

I am very guilty of not giving my children chores. I feel I can clean up quicker, better and with fewer tears. This isn't helping me -- or the kids -- and I know this.

Chores give kids responsibility. It also provides valuable life skills; tidiness, organization, prioritizing, multi-tasking. Doing a chore is "thought" and "action" at work. Why do I bulldoze this?...well, because I can't stand the whining. It takes more of my effort as coach to get them to pick up the toys than if I were to just roll up my sleeves and do it myself. Of course, by continuing to do all the work around the house -- they EXPECT me to do it. Will I be cleaning their rooms in the teen years?! Heck NO.

From about two years old onwards...kids can have chores. For the younger ones, it could be as simple as lining up their shoes by the door. Older kids can set the table, tidy the coffee table or turn the blinds down at nightfall.

Instead of nagging or coaching the child to do the chore; try making an observation. For example, instead of saying "for the third time - you can't watch Dora until these shoes are lined up" try letting the child find the solution on their own "the shoes are messy...what should we do?".

As a Parent of two messy children (aren't they all?!) I will give simple chores to my children. It will be better for all of us in the long run.