The ultimate guide to age-appropriate chores for children
Should boys and girls do different chores? Can a toddler do chores? You've got questions, we've got the answers!
Ask any old-school parent if children should do chores, and the answer will be a big yes!
However, some modern parents aren't too keen on giving their kids chores because they see this as an adult responsibility that could overburden children.
While others are Team Gentle Parenting and don't want to force their children to do chores that could upset them, ultimately affecting their emotional well-being.
Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, there's no denying the benefits of assigning chores to kids. According to an ongoing multigenerational Harvard study, sparing chores can negatively affect their success as adults.
Not only do chores help build self-confidence and empathy, but they also develop a good work ethic.
According to Inc., Harvard "researchers evaluated the backgrounds of over 700 'high achievers' and found a strong connection between doing household chores and later professional success".
Like it or not, chores are necessary. From toddlers to teenagers, there's a chore for every age.
Little helpers (toddlers)
Of all the age groups, toddlers are more likely to engage in chores with excitement. They are curious little helpers who often view work as play.
Unless they are not in the mood, then you can't get them to do anything!
That's why you need to make their chores simple and fun. They can start with easy chores like putting their toys away. Make it fun by singing and dancing along.
Toddlers can also help clean up spills they create while eating their meals or help you put clothes in laundry baskets.
Independent-ish preschoolers (ages 4–5)
Preschoolers are not old enough to go to big school, but they're ready for some basic independence. If they go to preschool, get them to help pack their school bags.
When they get home, they can unpack their lunch boxes and juice bottles and put them in the sink. If you have plants outside, ask them to help you water them. Kids love water, especially in the summer!
Should girls and boys do the same chores?
While traditional households assign specific roles for males and females, experts recommend assigning the same chores to boys and girls.
Gender-based household chores are outdated, and boys who learn how to
cook and girls who know how to do garden work will become better adults,
especially if they live alone.
ALSO READ: Spanish school teaches boys household chores
Mini-bosses in the making (ages 6–8)
At this age, your child can handle a bit more responsibility, which can include feeding their pets, folding laundry, raking leaves, sweeping the yard, and setting the table for dinner.
They can also make up their beds in the morning and help pack their lunch. If you have a dishwasher, get them to unpack the clean dishes.
Capable preteens (ages 9–12)
This is usually the age when kids get less excited about doing chores, so it's a good time to motivate them by giving them an allowance for completing their chores.
Preteens can do more than make their beds. They can change their bedding and keep their entire space clean. They can also wash dishes, clean the car and take out the rubbish without any help.
Need some help preparing dinner? Ask your preteen! Buy some kid-safe knives and get them to peel vegetables, cut soft foods and wash produce.
They can also wipe down the counters, wash dishes and help their younger siblings get ready.
Chore allowance
You can give your children an earn-as-you-go chore allowance that pays them a specific amount per chore or a weekly chore "salary" for doing a certain number of tasks.
Minor chores can be R5 or R10 while more challenging chores can be R20+. If they don't do their chores, they don't get paid!
Independent teenager (ages 13+)
Nobody has more excuses for why they can't do chores than teenagers. Some crazy excuses include:
"My arms are sore." Only when they're not playing video games or chatting on their phones, it seems.
"Can I do it after this game?" Which turns into 101 games.
"I didn't ask to be born." Neither did I, buddy!
"I'll do it later." Which means in 2035 when they've already moved out.
Parents need to take a firmer approach at this stage, as this is when kids need chores the most. It helps them develop responsibility, accountability, and self-discipline, all of which are essential skills for adulthood.
At this age, they can make dinner on their own, clean the bathroom, mop the floors, do the laundry, clean the inside and out of the car, and babysit their younger siblings. No task too big for them.
However, you need to be able to distinguish between child chores and
child labour. Chores are meant to teach responsibility while excessive
household labour exploits them.
Adulting is hard, so allow your kids to enjoy their childhood in a safe and loving home with age-appropriate chores before they have to face the real world.
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