To assign chores or not to assign chores, that is the question.
In our house the answer is: assign chores.
Chores get a lot of mention on mommy blogs. Some families are pro-chores, some are anti; some parents like to pay their children for the tasks they complete, and others are just wanting their kids to contribute, no incentive needed.
(This post contains affiliate links, so thenotsobusymom receives a very small commission if you make a purchase through the links.)
The Why
I want our children to take part in the care and maintenance of our home. I am not going to send them up the ladder to paint our trim or into the bathroom to fix a leaky toilet, but I do want them involved in the daily tasks that keep our home in good running order.
It’s nice to let “kids be kids”, but it’s important to teach and encourage them to take care of the home and contribute to its proper functioning.
The Chores
My children are 10, 7 and 3. My two oldest each have 3 chores that they need to complete every day (except Sundays). My 10 year old unloads the dishwasher each morning, sweeps under the table after dinner and vacuums one room in the evening. My 7 year old takes the recycling outside to our trash area, does one load of laundry and helps clean up the kitchen each evening. My 3 year old helps here and there. Her main task is to straighten the shoes by the door. (She is so funny and cute when completing this chore.)
Possible chores your child(ren) can complete:
- taking out the trash
- loading & unloading the dishwasher
- setting the table
- clearing the table
- wiping down the counters
- sweeping
- vacuuming
- folding laundry
- feeding the pet
- watering the plants
- dusting the furniture
Payment with a Purpose
We do choose to pay our children each week for two reasons: motivation and the opportunity for money management. The amount of money given each week is not a lot, but they are excited to receive it. They are also learning to give, spend and save.
Our children do many more tasks around the house that are not assigned chores and not completed for pay. They clean up their rooms, put away laundry, help set the table and assist me with a wide variety of tasks when asked. We all (young and old) have a part to play in taking care of our home.
Extra ideas and Encouragement
Each evening when it’s time for the kids to complete their evening chores I play some fun music and join in the task of cleaning up the house for the next day. The kids love to throw in a couple dance moves while holding a broom or gathering the laundry.
Assigning chores and following through is not always easy. I am sometimes dealing with grumpy children; hence the music, it seems to boost moods. I don’t let unhappy kids or eye rolls keep me from asking the children to complete that which they have been asked to do. I know that completing these chores is building in them character that will last beyond these short years at home.
2 great books that inspired me and perhaps will do the same for you are:
Cleaning House: A Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma
Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money by Dave Ramsey & Rachel Cruz
You should know that many of the chores you assign will not be completed to your standard. That’s okay. Encourage them as much as possible and offer “helpful hints” when appropriate. Work alongside your children when you can. Promote a team mentality and be positive. Grow together as a family as you work together to care for your home.
What about you? Do your children have chores? Share your triumphs and struggles in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Charissa
How can you make those poor, sweet children work so hard at the work you should be doing? I am reporting you for using child labor! 🙂 Actually, it sounds great.
It is great!! 🙂
Yes, our children all have chores. We rotate on a monthly basis.its gives everyone a turn at the dreaded dishes. We do not compensate our kids. My feeling is just that everyone needs to pitch in to make our house run smoothly. If someone has to be away for a given time, it is their responsibility to arrange for someone else to take their chore for that time. Hopefully the person asked will cheerfully agree to it. Chore time is a great bonding time . I find that the kids like to feel a part of the big picture. It sure lightens the load for the adults and prepares them for their future..
It sounds like you have a great system in place, Judy! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
We’re still trying to figure out a good chore system for our young family (4 & 2), but I agree that chores are important. And, I’ll pay my kids mostly just to give them the opportunity to learn how to handle money. They NEED to learn that skill well and learn it young. Thanks for your perspective.
It does take time to figure things out, Meg. We have definitely adjusted things along the way. What works for one family doesn’t necessarily work for another. And you are right, the payment isn’t because they deserve the money, but it’s given as an opportunity for money management.
I haven’t officially assigned chores yet because I’m not that organized. But my kids help out all the time. They always put their boys away and clean up their messes. They also put their laundry away. They set the table, feed the dog and do other tasks as needed, depending on who is more available. i think it’s really healthy for them to contribute.
Hi, Rebecca 🙂
They are helping out and being a part of the family team; that is more important than having officially assigned chores. It sounds like you have a helpful crew!!
I started paid chores for my kids but then we just stopped, now I make them do the work without paying them haha
Hi, Lauren! I think payment is totally optional. I have heard great arguments for and against payment with chores.
I plan to assign chores. My little guy is still very young but we try to encourage him to put toys away.
That’s a great start, Melissa!
Great info! As a single mom to five kids, they definitely do chores or I don’t think this house would keep functioning. That said, we make it fun and I think it’s great to teach them independence and I find the responsibility boosts their confidence.
Hi, Lisa 🙂
Yes, chores have a lasting impact; it’s so much more than just having them complete tasks.
I agree! I had chores growing up and received a small allowance and I learned valuable lessons at a young age. I will do the same with my daughter. I love the idea of turning on music!
The music makes things a little more fun and keeps us moving!!
We do chores in our house. Only a few but I think I can start adding a few more. My 7 year old only feeds her cat and brings her dirty laundry into the laundry room. I think can add a few more to her list. I think I need to make a fun list she can put stickers on. My 3 year old picks up toys.
Hi, Lyndsey! A sticker chart can be a great motivational tool!
My girls are (almost) 5 and 2 and they definitely help out. We do plan to transition that to chores in the future.
It’s never too early to have the kids help out!
I’m a huge fan of making kids do chores around the house! Every other week I do just a quick clean around the house and that’s when I have the kids sweep, vacuum, etc. They also empty the dishwasher daily, take out the trash, organize the shoes, clean up ALL the toys (with some music involved as well!), set the table, and even help make coffee and eggs in the mornings. The ages of our kids that do this are 8, 6, and 5. So far, we do not pay them to help out around the house, but not that there is anything wrong to do so.