Chores and More

by SuzyQ
(Glen Allen, VA)

Chores and More

Yes, my children do chores, just like my siblings and I did as kids. Chores didn’t hurt me and I don’t think they will hurt my kids, either. Unlike some other parents in my middle-class neighborhood, I am not giving my children chores as punishment, but as a means to develop responsibility and build character and pride. Fortunately, my kids understand the importance of doing their assigned chores and for the most part, they do them willingly without much prodding.

When I was a very young child, I got paid a 25-cent allowance each week, as long as I made my bed, picked up my toys, dusted the living and dining room on Fridays, and helped my mom fold the clothes as they came out of the dryer. As I got older, my allowance increased, but so did the scope of my chores. At age 12, I got $3.00 a week and was expected to continue doing the dusting and folding, as well as taking out the trash, feeding the parakeet and helping my younger brother with his spelling.

My own children are 3, 7 and 11. I started my two oldest doing chores when they turned 5. In the beginning, they were not paid any incentive – we explained that turning 5 meant they were now grown-up around the house to help with some of the chores. Believe it or not, this positive spin on chores has made a big difference in their attitude. They have (for the most part) done their chores willingly, quickly and without complaining. On occasion the balk, but this is mostly because they are overtired from some activity they were involved with at school.

My children do chores similar to what I did as a child: dusting, sorting laundry, cleaning their rooms, making their beds, taking care of the pets, setting and clearing the table, and helping rake leaves and pull weeds. When my oldest turns 12, there will be some new responsibilities added. And when my youngest turns 5, she will start with chores as well. In fact, she can’t wait to turn 5, because that means she is “all grown up.”

I’m pleased with how my kids are taking responsibility. I wish more parents would see that chores are a necessary part of growing up, and not “punishment” for kids who are already experiencing too much entitlement!

Chores Teach Responsibility

by Erica R.
(Maryland)

When I was a kid, I had chores. I think my parents mainly gave us these tasks to teach us about responsibility. When I was 6-7 years old, I had to set the table and put the cloth napkins in the laundry hamper after meals. When I got older, chores included feeding our pets, walking our dogs after school and folding laundry. Some of my friends also had household responsibilities, and I don't really remember thinking much about who was and who was not expected to help out at home.

My own children also set the table for mealtimes and feed our cat. They do get paid minimally for these chores (25 cents each day) but they are also expected to do other things around the house -- for which they don't get paid. These tasks include putting their dirty clothing in the appropriate places and cleaning up their toys and games. I believe this teaches them to be independent.

Chores for Kids

by Suzy

Chores for kids and More Yes, my children do chores, just like my siblings and I did as kids. Chores didn’t hurt me and I don’t think they will hurt my kids, either.
Unlike some other parents in my middle-class neighborhood, I am not giving my children chores as punishment, but as a means to develop responsibility and build character and pride.

Fortunately, my kids understand the importance of doing their assigned chores and for the most part, they do them willingly without much prodding.
When I was a very young child, I got paid a 25-cent allowance each week, as long as I made my bed, picked up my toys, dusted the living and dining room on Fridays, and helped my mom fold the clothes as they came out of the dryer.

As I got older, my allowance increased, but so did the scope of my chores. At age 12, I got $3.00 a week and was expected to continue doing the dusting and folding, as well as taking out the trash, feeding the parakeet and helping my younger brother with his spelling.

My own children are 3, 7 and 11. I started my two oldest doing chores when they turned 5. In the beginning, they were not paid any incentive – we explained that turning 5 meant they were now grown-up around the house to help with some of the chores.
Believe it or not, this positive spin on chores has made a big difference in their attitude. They have (for the most part) done their chores willingly, quickly and without complaining.
On occasion they balk, but this is mostly because they are overtired from some activity they were involved with at school.

My children do chores similar to what I did as a child: dusting, sorting laundry, cleaning their rooms, making their beds, taking care of the pets, setting and clearing the table, and helping rake leaves and pull weeds. When my oldest turns 12, there will be some new responsibilities added. And when my youngest turns 5, she will start with chores as well. In fact, she can’t wait to turn 5, because that means she is “all grown up.” I’m pleased with how my kids are taking responsibility.

I wish more parents would see that chores are a necessary part of growing up, and not “punishment” for kids who are already experiencing too much entitlement!

chores for kids

by kate
(england)

i have 2 kids ages 2 and 4 and both of them do chores. my eldest will take his clothes off and put them in the wash, my youngest will take her clothes off me and put them in the wash they both put their clothes from the basket into the machine and switch it on (under supervision) and then from the washer to the dryer.

They both put their plates and cutlery in the sink when they have finished and they just HAVE to help when I hoover sweep or mop so I do it first then let them loose so they can do it.

i think kids should be able to do general chores to teach them responsibility and it gives them a sense of pride.
My son and daughter help each other clean their rooms before getting in the bath.

When they have done what I have asked them too they get a treat on pay day; usually sausage roll and a cake from town then a picnic for dinner (all healthy stuff and they dont notice it) they think its great and I'm also preparing then for adulthood.