Is 2 1/2 to young to have chores? If no, than what are some age appropriate ones? Should I pay allowance?

Question

MY son is 2 1/2 and is just starting to understand simple instructions like "put your shoes away" and put your clothes in the hamper", should I start giving him a list of daily chores? Should I pay him an allowance for doing the chores?

Answer 1

you could make him a cute little chart to help him understand respondsibitity and the value of money.

At the top put all of the days of the week. Also put a chore for each day of the week, for example,

Monday-help dad take out the garbage
Tuesday-empty the silverwear out of the dishwasher
Wednesday-

well you understand. But a sticker on the chart when he does his chore. If he gets all seven stickers, he gets a dollar or 2 at the end of the week.

Answer 2

I wouldn't pay him in money. Maybe hugs, kisses, chocolates?
At that age, mine were responsible for putting away their toys, dirty clothes in the hamper, and putting their shoes away. If they did it right, with only one or two times of me having to remind them, they got praised, lots of love, and (sometimes) a treat.
A list of "chores" would be a little much at 2 1/2. Just make sure you tell him what he needs to do, and when he needs to do it. It teaches responsibility. That's a good thing.
As he gets a little older, the daily chores can start with something simple, like making his bed when he gets up. Add one or two every 6-12 months. I wouldn't start with any monetary rewards until he starts to need it for outings with friends, around 7-8.

Answer 3

I wouldn't give him a list of chores yet. Simply getting him to put away his toys and put things in the trash, etc. is good for a child his age. He has no need of an allowance. He is too young to understand the concept of even needing an allowance. If you do decide to give him an allowance, wait until he is about 4 or 5. My daughter has a play kitchen and she washes her dishes while mom washes the real dishes. My son has a play lawn mower and he "helps" his Dad mow the lawn. They can learn responsibility without having to actually perform tasks that may be too difficult for them .

Answer 4

Its too young for scheduled "chores" but he is old enough to start helping out the way you describe. Children at this age are just beginning to remember "the rules." Remember when he was younger how you had to tell him the same thing over and over and over again and he just kept doing it a minute later? He's getting to the level developmentally that he can remember things - but only for a short time. Remembering rules about how to sit in the chair at dinner, how to ask for more of something, how to take turns with a toy is hard enough work for this age. Having him help pick up his toys/clothes is an excellent start. Most toddlers actually enjoy cleaning up as long as they are given warning and are allowed to choose What to pick up. For example, in three minutes it will be clean up time. Then later, Okay, times up. Do you want to clean up the blocks or the trucks? Make it part of your daily routine with a cue such as singing a certain song, flashing the lights, or giving a one minute clean up warning. Since its fun and part of the daily routine, there's no need for allowance, stickers or other rewards. It becomes just as natural to pick up the toys as it is to take them out.

Answer 5

I wouldnt start paying a 2 1/2 yr old. he dont even know what money is! besides if you do then how much will he want when he is 10?
he is at an age where he wants to help you because he is copying you and learning from you its all part of his development. he dont need chores but let him help if he wants to.

Answer 6

I think it's a good time to start. If you wait too long kids don't think they have to help with anything around the house. My daughter's 2 1/2 and she puts the soap in the dishwasher (supervised) and helps with the dogs' food and water. And she gets to carry light bags when I bring in groceries.

I'd put off allowance til age 4 or 5 though.

Answer 7

I think simple things are ok like put your toys away and stuff like that. I guess you could pay allowence but I dont think a 2 year old would care much about getting money but you could give him a toy as an allowence

Answer 8

I agree with AmandaB my daughter is 2 and a half and I have her help me pick up her messes so that she learns to pick up after herself. I dont give her a "set list" of things to do. She is too young to understand that... If you want to assign chores maybe have her chores be helping you water plants, helping you take clothes out of the dryer, helping you feed the pets (if you have any)

Answer 9

i wouldn't actually have a list of chores, but have him pick up his toys in the evening before bed, put away dirty clothes and shoes. my daughter likes to help put away the dishes and she gets the garbage bag out and shakes it for her older brothers. i don't know as i would pay him, maybe just get him something special every so often for helping you out with simple things.

Answer 10

not exactly too young to have chores. i have my 2 1/2 yr old pick up his toys and use his manners. he picks up his dirty clothes and dresses himself. things like that don't require an allowance, but maybe a treat of some sort. maybe some ice cream or an outing.