What are age appropriate chores for a 7 yr. old boy?

Question

My husband and I cannot agree on what are age appropriate chores for our 7 yr. old son. I think that keeping his room clean, picking up toys around the house and helping entertain his two younger brothers is enough. He also helps do seasonal outdoor chores like rake leaves, spring cleaning and shoveling snow (not every day, but come on, he's 7!). Am I right that this is more than enough, or should he be doing more like my husband says? If so what more can a kid his age do?

Answer 1

I'm all for kids carrying their own load. But, you don't give any examples of what your husband thinks he should be doing. I kind of fall on the line that kids can do much more than they are normally tasked with, but that it should not extend to some form of household slavery.

From what you say, I think we can discount cleaning up his own messes - at 7, that should be a given. Entertaining his brothers is great, though I don't think he should actually be responsible for them in any way at this point.

How much productive leaf raking and snow shoveling can a 7-year old kid do? Does he really get much done?

He can certainly carry dirty and clean laundry back and forth, and might be able to take out the trash if it's not too heavy.

I think the thing to do is to keep him engaged with all the things you and your husband have to do - like an apprenticeship for adulthood. Help pick out groceries when shopping, carry a bag or two coming in from the store, help sweep, mop or vacuum floors here or there, help out in the kitchen, maybe sew on a button, etc. The thing is not to use him as a worker but teach him to be self-sufficient and able to deal with the world as he finds it.

But not just work - teach him how to have fun, how to sing, or paint, how to fish or hunt, how to throw a ball or stand on his head. Teach him how to think.

Answer 2

Well my son is 3 years old (in a few days). Since he was able to walk we have taught him to pick up all his toys. I felt if he had always been doing it then it would be second nature with him. He does great.

He now (with significant help and guidance) makes him bed when he gets up in the morning and nap. He even has his own hamper to put his dirty laundry in. He is responsible for making sure his floor is picked up. And NO he does not do his own laundry lol that is mental. He goes with my husband and to take out the trash and is often given something small (ex: empty cereal box).

I always ask him if he would like to help me vaccum or clean the windows. He is always asking to do it even just 2 hours after it has been done. At 7 I wouldnt trust my son with the chemicals for cleaning, but would let him help me clean.

I think involving children in daily cleaning routines is a great thing. They are more likely to keep things clean for years to come. I think it would be a great task for him to spend time helping dad outside with leaves and snow shoveling. NO not dad sitting on the sidelines watching, but just giving him his own little rake or shovel to mock Dad. He may not get alot accomplished but he will enjoy the time with Dad. Afterwards a jump in the leaves and a small snowball fight would be great.

Answer 3

He is just a kid, but your right to start early. You want him to grow up with the idea that chores are an important and neccesary part of family life.

However he is little, so start out with chores that are small. Give him structure. Don't say, "do it today," say, "Could you please clean your room now?" If he protests, ask him when its a good time for him. You will end up making the decision, :) but making him feel like he is in conrtol too will help him to be mroe willing to do his chores. Its hard with a seven year old, but encourage him to talk about his feelings on chores rather than shouting, throwing etc. To do that you have to be respectful (if firm) and speak rather than shouting at him. He'll learn by example.

I would not ask him to keep his younger brothers entertained. That is a recipe for disaster- as an olde sibling i cannot stand that. Kids have many responsibilities, but that should not be one of them. That is your responsibility.

Answer 4

I think that is more than enough for a 7 year old boy. Maybe you and your husband can make a compromise if your son does all of his chores and he does some of the extras that your husband wanted him to do then you can do something special as a family over the weekend

Answer 5

I am usually considered pretty looney strict (like eghads I spank and all that)--but I actually think you have more than enough chores--more than I would have. But if it is working for you that is fine. I would certainly not give a seven year old more than that.

Now, there are some exceptions. I know farming families where the kids do a lot more work than their city counterparts. And that is probably a good thing for them.

But for me picking up toys, cleaning room, making bed and sundry things I may ask from time to time. is enought for a seven year old.

Answer 6

Your right. Outdoor chores would be too much for him, unless your husband was helping him. Kids also have a short attention span, he will likley miss alot of leaves, and snow, so keep in mind it will not be perfect.

My 6 year old is responsible for keeping his own room clean, picking up his own toys, and such, with occasional "help Mommy" jobs. Its perfect for him.

Answer 7

He's only 7, let him be a kid. I would say he needs to keep his toys picked up and maybe once in a while he can help dry dishes or something. Maybe sweep the kitchen once in a while. I would just have him help out here and there once in a while but no set chores. Maybe feed the pets if you have any but I think keeping his toys picked up is enough.

Answer 8

He can help with dishes or empty the dishwasher, fold and put away his own laundry, vacuum, dust, water plants if you have them, feed animals if you have them, sweep and scrub floors, etc. I am not suggesting he do ALL of this but that those are some things you could choose from or let him choose from. I think he needs to do more. My daughter, who is 2 1/2, does more around the house than your son. I'm a big believer in teaching kids to work. Not like slave labor or anything, but just have them do some chores.

Answer 9

I have a 7yr old son, his chores include: making his bed in the morning (with help), putting clothes in hamper, putting clothes up in drawers, if he's not tall enough to put them in the closet you should help him do that, picking up toys, helping wash dishes, you should let him rinse them, picking up trash outside with supervision. They have school all day long so this isn't too much for them to do. If you have pets he could feed and water them. This is what my son does, and he has 3other siblings which are 12,9, and 8.

Answer 10

Keeping his room clean and cleaning up after himself are not chores in my opinion. Chores to me are contributing to the whole household.

some chores that are age appropriate would be:
Setting the table
some vacumming
Take out the garbage