Should young children have chores?

Question

and, if so what are good chores for young kids?

6 and under.

i just wanted to say that i agree with all of the answers.

Answer 1

of course they should. children need to learn responsibilities!

good chores are helping put away dishes, washing the table, setting the table, vaccuming, helping clean the bathroom, cleaning up their own rooms, picking up toys, things like that.

Answer 2

What a great topic! Since most healthy toddlers want to imitate their parents, it is only natural for them to want to pitch in and help when they see mommy vacumming, doing dishes or laundry. At 2 years old ***when a child begins showing interest***, absolutely let them *help* put their toys away, pick up clothes from the floor - it's about starting out simple to gear it for their age. Just remember to lower your expectations of a perfect job while your child is very young...sometimes you may even have to go back and re-clean BUT, don't let the child know this. For very young children, it is more about a healthy learning of their environment.

I wouldn't necessarily call their helping "chores" - it's simply giving them a sense of pride in feeling like a true part of the family while they learn to help with home-care. They will then grow up with the idea that cleaning up the house is just simply part of what we do in our homes and when they are older, actual chores won't feel so burdensome.

Answer 3

You pretty much name the chores. My kids at that age cleaned their rooms, and set the table. Also cleared the dishes, fed and watered pets, Dust. But I have never had a kid not complain about the chores. Who likes chores. I really don't blame them. Also they are gonna do just enough to get the job done, so they can go play. So that is why sometimes you get a half way job. Sometimes you can make a game out of it, Like racing to see who gets the job done first, and only give them one thing at a time to do, so they don't feel overwhelmed.

Answer 4

Good ones for toddlers and preschoolers is:

1. Putting away books and toys.
2. Helping you make his/her bed.
3. They are a bit small to do the dishes but they can help you clean the house a bit.

Just remember that toddlers and preschoolers is a bit small to do chores but helping you around the house together is more appropriate.

I will say doing the dishes and cleaning the house on their own is a responsibility for a child of age of 10.

Answer 5

Absolutely, although I don't think they need to be enforced the same way as with older children. (They don't need to have things taken away for not remembering their chores...they're too little for that, IMO.)

Our son is 3 1/2 and he is responsible for picking up all of his toys and cleaning his room each day before nap and before bed. He also "helps" me clean the rest of the house, but that is pretty much just so we can show him examples of how to clean and have him participating in family responsibilities in a small degree that is age appropriate.

Mostly he just picks things up and brings them to me to put away, or holds the dustpan while I sweep, or separates the laundry by person (Mommy's laundry, Daddy's laundry, his laundry) while I'm folding.

I think the most important part when they are toddlers is teaching them to be responsible for their own belongings and how to participate as a member of the family in family responsibilities-more than focusing on the chores themselves.

Answer 6

Yes! A good rule of thumb to go by is "he who makes the mess, cleans it up." If your child spills his milk, hand him a rag. It will make him feel like a productive member of the house. Also, it is good to teach young children that everyone has to help out around the house. if you want him to learn responsibilty, try simple daily or weekly chores, such as setting the table or feeding the dog.

Answer 7

young children (all chidren in fact) should learn that it is important to help out around the house as it is everyones home and everyone should be responsible to help in maintaining it. My 18 month old loves to help with the laundry. She hands me one item at a time to fold and put away. Oh and she is starting to try and help out with other household jobs. She will pick up a cloth and wash down surfaces or a mop or broom and clean up floors. All of this she has done on her own without my needing to ask her because she understands already that we all need to be responsible for maintaining our home. One of the first things it is important for a child to do at home is learn to pick up there own clothes and toys then add others things as they show interest and become more able to take on other jobs but always keep it fun.

Answer 8

Definitely yes! Start simple, like picking up their clothes & toys, helping set the table & clearing the table after meals. If they can, have them help with bigger chores, like holding the dustpan when you sweep the floor. As they get older, teach them more responsibilities, like laundry, cleaning, etc. If they refuse to do their chores, have consequences & stick with them.

Answer 9

Yes, have them do little "chores" like helping make their beds, brushing their teeth, and cleaning up their toys.
They will learn responsibility and maybe you could help them start a savings account or something and put a little money in each week so they can watch it grow.

Answer 10

Yes they should.... my kids are 3 years old and 20 months... they both pick up their toys and put their clothes on the dirty bin. When they are older they'll get other things to do... so far I think is OK with that.