The past month of our lives have been all about finding new routines. We moved from England to Georgia, bought a house, and school started. My husband had been traveling a lot (love that Army life) and the kids and I were trying to work everything out. Because of all the turmoil and change I was trying to be really patient with my three boys (ages 6, 9, and 10) but this mama was feeling SO burnt out. I finally realized what it was-I was doing EVERYTHING around the house. I realized it was time to get back on track with the kiddos on their chores and pitching in to help take care of our home. I’ve always been very adamant about finding age-appropriate chores for my kids to do around the house but the transition with the move had me slacking off on enforcing it in our new home and, of course, my kids weren’t exactly going out of their way to find ways to help.
Once I asked the kids to start helping and gave them specific guidance on what I needed from them they were so helpful-and the funny thing is they started to bicker less and our overall household felt like it was a much calmer, happier place.
So what chores do I ask of my kids-I made a printable list for you! I operated on a very Montessori-type method when my boys were young-teach them to do things independently. I think it not only prepares them to be adults down the line but it gives them a lot of confidence when they care for themselves and help with the house. And mamas, I know sometimes is really, really hard to let them “help” because they can sometimes make more of a mess. But that three year old making a mess trying to fold washcloths is going to be an ace at it by 6 and you’ll be glad you took the time to teach them!
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So-what did I miss? I’m always looking for more chores to add to the list! {insert evil mom laugh here} No, seriously, please let me know what other chores you ask your kids to do!
Some of my favorite resources for teaching kids to clean:
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Reeves Xavier
Take you chore management to the next level with apps. S’moresUp (www.smoresup.com and https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smoresup-best-chores-app/id1287367596) is one such an app to help manage family chores better
Ismary
This list is AWESOME I have two girls age 6 and 7 and they hate folding their laundry, but have learned to value what momma has to do. This gives me great new ideas to try. Thank you for the list.
carolyn
I managed to get my younger son to be helpful from a very young age. He is 7 now and he loves pegging out the washing