Left to their own devices, your kids would probably spend all day watching TV, playing video games and texting with their friends. They might love to idle away the hours, but those lost afternoons of lazy indulgence won’t help them develop the kind of character that they need to become responsible adults. Those kids need some serious chores to teach them about responsibility.
Choosing Chores for Your Kids
You always want to choose chores that your kids can accomplish. Asking a three-year-old to mop the floor will only cause you more trouble.
If you have a young child, then ask her to put away her toys, put dirty clothes in the hamper and dust shelves that she can reach.
Slightly older kids can help around the house by making beds, helping in the garden and taking out the trash.
Once your children reach their teens, they can accept much more responsibility. Have them wash dishes, do their own laundry, wash the car or cut the grass. They might complain, but they can handle it.
Assigning Chores
You have to provide clear directions to children and teens. When you assign chores, make a chart showing exactly what each person needs to do this week. Be as specific as possible. If the chart says “rake the leaves,” then your son might leave piles all over the yard. Instead, write “rake and compost leaves.”
Make sure that you assign chores fairly. Kids need downtime and social lives as well as responsibility, so give them chores that will push them without making them feel miserable. After all, you need to help them develop more than just a work ethic.
