What age should children begin to do chores?

1. 69

   jenbeach21posted 12 years ago

   What age should children begin to do chores?

   replyreport
2. 94

   cat on a soapboxposted 12 years ago

   Children can begin to help out as soon as they can walk and move w/ good coordination. It builds self esteem when a child can help out even in the most basic way ie. dusting empty tables, picking up leaves, using a watering can in the garden, feeding a pet, etc.  "Chores" like emptying trash and taking out cans, caring for pets, doing dishes , tidying rooms, and folding laundry begin at school age w/ or w/o an allowance. It is important that children contribute to the family as a whole.

   replyreport
3. 59

   mismazdaposted 12 years ago

   I guess whatever works for you , but t I started mine at the age of two by picking up their toys when they are finished playing with them. Its something small, but it teaches them responsibilty. So they know what to do when the get thru playing..and my 4 yr old already trys to make her bed..I dont ask her too because I feel she is too young, but she trys to sometimes.

   replyreport
4. 60

   Steadman11posted 12 years ago

   I think that as soon as they are old enough to understand what you are asking of them, they are old enough to help out. I have a 3 and 5 year old, both of which have been helping out with small things for quite some time. They started cleaning up their own toys when they weren't even 2 yet. They try to fold and put their clothes away for me, will dust, wipe down the table after dinner, give the dogs baths, feed the dogs, pull weeds, water plants, or wash the car. Of course, many of these things are going to require that my husband or myself help them or go back after them to redo it, but at this age, it's about teaching them to do their share in keeping the house clean or orderly. They love to be able to help out, and often ask to do so without being prompted. Often times, my husband and I will give them a little bit of money to go in their piggy banks, but we are more trying to teach them responsibility. It's not about the money.nThe only 'chore' they have is to keep their toys picked up in their rooms. I think that all children should be required to care for their own room, and not depend on their parent to do it for them. We are also adding 'feed the dogs' as a chore that they alternate daily. For other chores, such as taking out the trash or vacuuming should wait until they are big enough to do so without making a larger mess or hurting themselves. This will depend on each child. My oldest is very coordinated and could probably handle chores sooner than our youngest, who is very clumsy like his mom. Just take into consideration the abilities of each child and don't assume that because one can handle it, they all can.

   replyreport
5. 71

   sassydeeposted 12 years ago

   As soon as they are able to make messes or old enough to ask for this and that!

   replyreport
6. 75

   teaches12345posted 12 years ago

   It depends on the child and the type of chores you have available. Simple chores such as putting toys away can begin at two by placing bins or baskets in their room. They can easily toss toys away.  Talking with your child about the chores first and the responsibility really helps.

   replyreport
7. 82

   missa72542posted 12 years ago

   I think its a good idea to get them started doing chores as soon as they can get up, walk around, and understand what you are asking of them. Even if its just as simple as "Clean up your toys' as someone above me said.
   
   Getting started early will help them learn responsibility and keep them from being too spoiled.

   replyreport
8. 61

   Leo_rabbit87posted 12 years ago

   its more complex than that. At four they can help by holding dust pans, putting away the silverware, throwing stuff away, putting stuff away. By seven they are able to do more, sweep, take out the trash, and really clean up, but you will still have to help and go over it. By ten they should be able to do things without help and correctly.

   replyreport
9. 37

   edhanposted 12 years ago

   As young as 5 years old. That is what I did in my young days. I helped out my family to do chores like washing plates, sweeping floor, cleaning the house, etc.

   replyreport
10. 69

    jenbeach21posted 12 years ago

    Thank you all for the input. My children are 3 and 7 and while they help out there is not a consistent chore schedule. I think it may be time to start one at least with my 7 year old!

    replyreport
    1. 59

       faith_love_hope32posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       The 7 year old can make his bed and pick up toys, those are good ones to start with.  My 6 year old makes his bed.  For the 3 year old I'd stick with picking up toys for now.

       replyreport
11. 73

    rdownposted 12 years ago

    My daughter will be 21 months in a couple of days and I already have her put her books and crayons away when she is done playing.   She also helps to set the table (so far just napkins and spoons.. I don't want her running around with forks or knives).  Her favorite chore is feeding the dog.  My husband or I bring the food bin over to the dog's bowl and she can take the scoop herself and put the foods in the dogs bowl.  Some of the food ends up on the floor but she is getting much better at getting it all in the bowl.

    replyreport
    1. 71

       sassydeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       how cute

       replyreport
12. 59

    faith_love_hope32posted 12 years ago

    Honestly, you can start as soon as they are old enough to walk and pull out their toys from their toy box.  Just get them to help pick their toys up at the end of the day.  Make it fun for them and they'll want to help. 

    replyreport
13. 77

    Beata Stasakposted 12 years ago

    As soon as they walk, I asked my children to pack up their toys in the boxes and put books back in the shelves, clean their plastic bowls and cups etc...from the age of two, as they grow their chores have got more complicated...my youngest son was only five years old when he planted his first line of olive tree sapplings with help in one day, he complained about it in his kindy but now, ten years later he proudly shows his big trees everyone he visits....

    replyreport