at what age do you think kids should have chores other than cleaning their room? is cleaning their r

Monica - posted on 12/07/2012

10 or 11 or 12

Nicole - posted on 12/04/2012

Pinterest has a list of age appropriate chores, and I'm sure it can be found online if googled as well. chores basically can start at the age of 2 and go on from there as they get older and mature. Toddlers can help sort clothes, help load the washer or move clothes from the washer to dryer, help fold washcloths and handtowels, match socks etc. They can help dust, wipe things down, anything really. My 2 yr old LOVES housework so much he has his own mop, broom and dustpan just like ours that we got at a mexican store here. my kids have had assigned chores since they were little, feeding cats, helping with the litterbox till son who is now 11 was old enough to do it on his own, taking out trash, vacuuming, whatever. Kids can do anything they are shown and taught how to do, by age 9 this list even says they are able to make simple meals, do laundry, clean toilets, mop floors, and so on. I think it just depends on the parenting styles, personal beliefs and convictions and the maturity of each child. some parents dont feel their kids should have to do much of anything but be kids, others feel they need to learn how to do everything so they are ready for when they are on their own. Just include them in all you do and have them help with all you do, that way they learn and you spend time together, killing 2 birds with one stone :)

Louis - posted on 12/02/2012

I think your son should set the table

Heather - posted on 08/03/2009

I made a job chart for my 4 year old. She does things like help with the laundry, dishes, getting her self dressed in the morning, brushing teeth, feeding her fish, picking up toys, etc. We put stickers on the chart each day and at the end of the week she gets a prize if she has done a good job!

Rhea - posted on 08/01/2009

I have 2 boys, 9 and 4. My 9 year old cleans his room, vacuums the floor and takes out the trash, makes up his bed and his brothers bed. My 4 year old helps me take the dishes out of the dishwasher and cleans his own room. Both kids feed the dogs. We give our 9 year old an allowance. They both love doing chores.

Hope - posted on 08/01/2009

I have my 5 year old son making his bed, picking up his dishes after each meal, cleaning room before bed, and putting away the silverwear (minus knives, of course) from the dishwasher. He gets a quarter for each chore. Sometimes, I find something odd throughout the day, like, putting more water or juice in the fridge, or helping me pull weeds; I will also give him a quarter for the extras. I think it works out and it keeps him interested where he is continuously doing his chores.

Bobbi - posted on 07/31/2009

I feel that children should have chores but they also need to have time to be kids. I feel that having your children at the ages mine are doing there own laundry is crazy but my husband and I are seperated and they have to do their own laundry at his house. Do you think that is too much for children to have to do at 10, 9, and 7 and I don't mean just put it away they have to wash it too.

Alyshia - posted on 07/31/2009

i have 6 children all of them have chores the littlest one is 3 i make her pick up her room !! or i get her to help me to pick up her room !! We like playing the game on who can pick up the toys the fastest!!! it is a trick but she always wins!!!

Yohnnilee - posted on 07/31/2009

I think they should learn to clean when they begin walking and talking well that way they are able to pick up after themselves and can understand what you're saying when you tell them. I think it's better that way so that they don't get used to you doing it for them, they need to begin to learn responsibility as soon as possible because at age 5 when they attend kindergarden they'll be expected to have some level of responsibility for such things. My son is 5 and his only chore is to clean his room. I think taking care of a dog may be a bit much for that age bracket or even for an almost 9 year old really because dogs are a lot of work. As far as pets go I would start with something small and simple like a fish to show them that they are relied upon by something. Of course I know of another mother that claims that children at these ages should have no chores because they don't comprehend them, however if your 4 year old is attending Pre-School he's learning these things even now. It's really up to the parent to decide whats best and you also know your children best. Some kids at the age of 9 can handle a lot more than other children that same age.

Linda - posted on 07/31/2009

We have 3 boys, age 15 months to 9 years, plus another one on the way! The older two boys (age 9 & 6.5) have a chore chart in the kitchen that they must complete each morning before they can turn on the TV or play video games. They do 3-4 chores/ day and include things like emptying the dishwasher, cleaning the bathroom (wipe down sink, toilet, tub), straightening the playroom, feeding the dog, putting away their clean laundry and cleaning their bedrooms.

They are both very responsible about getting their work done and it's been a wonderful summer vacation. I especially appreciate the help now that my belly is getting bigger...and it'll be great once the new baby arrives that they've all learned how to be a bit more responsible! Even our 15 month old is learning how to help clean up...he loves to put blocks in a bucket and dump them into their container and whenever I'm in the kitchen straightening up, he's busy pushing the broom around. I think it's important to play on their desire to be helpful and do what everyone else is doing, too.

Jayme - posted on 07/31/2009

I think chores are great but not too many. my 4 yr old loves to help me around the house like vacuum and putting dishes up from the dishwasher and on trash day he'll gather up the bathroom trashes and replace bags. My 9 and 12 yr old have to clean room,put clothes up,empty dishwasher,clean their bathroom,pick up dog poop,mow the lawn,and take out trash. These are not an everyday thing it is on a need done basis. But they also get paid, amount depends on chore. When school starts im a little more leanent because homework is more important. I think it's good for them to learn real life chores, it will keep them from being lazy adults. I know some parents that do everything for there kids and they end up expecting too much as adults. The house doesn't clean itself..lol. I hope this helps.

Chandra - posted on 07/31/2009

I think kids have chores as soon as they are able to help around the house. Making the chores age appropriate is the key. When your 18 month old is following you to the dryer and helping to pull out the clothes that can be their chore. Plus at this young age they love helping out. This way when they are older helping out around the house is not a foreign concept. My 5 year old helps to sort clothes by colors, and helps fold towels. We all work together so no one feels they are doing too much. I teach kindergarten so I know kids really want to help out, but as parents we have to guide them but allow them to do some of the chores their way. For example my 5 year old is in charge of bringing in the recylce bins. It takes him forever, but he gets it done, and when I don't fuss about it he's quite proud of himself and asking what else he can help with.

Carolyn - posted on 07/31/2009

Hi Angie!

I have 2 boys (11 & 6) and by the time my eldest was 9 he was showing signs of maturity to where cleaning their room was fine. I took baby steps to see his capacities and is totally a mommas boy so he wants to help from time to time (when his friends are not around...lol). He now helps me wash dishes and cook dinner...(I place things in the hot pots etc. to avoid him getting burned). My best advice...you know your child and what they are capable of. Good Luck....

Kimberly - posted on 07/31/2009

I have three children 7,10, and 16. They all have responsibilities. My youngest helps me put up groceries. Feeds and waters the animals. Helps big brother clean his room, and helps in general around the house. I think the kids today should have chores. It makes them better people and teaches them to be responsible as adults. Too often you see children that are lazy and couch potatoes. If you start them off like this, then you will teach them to be that way as adults.

Sarah - posted on 07/31/2009

My kids began helping out as soon as they could toddle. Taking their own dishes to the sink, putting their own (tightly wrapped) diapers into the trash, getting their own juice cups from the fridge, planting seeds in the garden and picking veggies, washing fruit and veg for dinner, etc.

Now they are 11,10,9 and 7, and their chores include dishes, cleaning the bathroom (including the toilet), helping prepare and cook meals, setting and clearing the table, keeping their wreck room clean, their rooms clean and their study clean, feeding and watering all the animals, cleaning out rabbit hutches and kitty litters, poop'n'scooping the yard, walking the dog, wellness checks on our elderly neighbours, vacuuming and mopping floors, bringing in firewood...well the list goes on and on.

People are raising their kids lazy. What are we teaching our sons, especially, when we let them be lazy? "A woman will look after you for the rest of your life?" Bull *^%$. Kids can help out with everything their parents are willing and patient enough to teach them.



We don't bribe our children. I don't get paid to wash their streaky underwear. I am the parent, and the children do as I say, or they lose privledges like XBOX.



And I can't remember who said it but it was something like "If you have a boy make him take out the trash, but not a girl", well yes, in your world, girls are so useless they can't carry a garbage bag? Really?! A 9 year old girl can take out the trash just as easily as a boy. Girls can clean toilets and scoop yard shit too. Don't lock your girls into that old "girlie" role where they are taught they are useless for anything but doing dishes and laundry.



Another tip: let your girls help daddy maintain the family car.

Joanne - posted on 07/31/2009

Hi Angie, I have a nine year old who can be quite helpful around the house. He does tidy his own bedroom and I encourage him to clean his rabbits hutch, which he hates! He also sorts the re-cycling out and sometimes with plenty of encouragement will help load dishwasher and set the dinner table. He is pretty good with taking and collecting things to and from other places in the house and he puts his clean clothes away..



Its very hard sometimes to get them to do these things and although you aren't supposed to use bribery!! I feel that a little reward ie pocket money is a worth considering. I hope that this helps a bit.

Sonja - posted on 07/31/2009

at three they can start to learn

Jess - posted on 07/31/2009

My kids have basic jobs ie setting the table cleaning there rooms feeding there animals it works well they are 7,6 and 3 my 15 month old helps me pick up her blocks so i think any age is a good age to start making them help

Kathy - posted on 07/30/2009

i started my kids as soon as they were ale to walk & talk. which my oldest now 16 she started when she was 8-9 months by cleaning her room. when we would clean the next day it would be wipe the table down or sweep the floor with a kids broome. my son absolutely is the best he is 15 now & he keeps the cleanest room in the house. its just up to u to decide to encourage them to help but they must do their chores first. & thenthey r more excited to help u with urs.

Hope - posted on 07/30/2009

I have a nine year old daughter who is able to help around the house. She helps me clean dishes, vaccum, and fold some clothes. I hope that this helps.

Jana - posted on 07/30/2009

well my daughter is 5 years old. She helps me fold the towels and put them away. She likes to dust and sweep also. So I let her do it and when she's done she earns her allowance. You have to think that your child learns from what you do and that they want to spend time with you so they may as well multi-task. After all isn't that what we do all the time?!? :)

Shana - posted on 07/30/2009

Hi, I have 4 boys aged between 9 and 18months and I encourage them to help round the house as I didnt want them to end up like my bro who when he moved out could only cook pancakes and didnt know how to use a wahing machine!! Currently the boys have list of chores they do to earn pocket money (which is typed up so there is no arguing over it) like feeding animals,cleaning up their own rooms - chores that earn bonus pocket money- sweeping out the sheds,helping with dinner (or just super helpfullness) and some which we classify as "part of the family jobs" - taking out rubbish!!

Mary - posted on 07/30/2009

I am a mother of seven ages 27 to 7. We have always done chores with our children. It's a great opportunity to spend time together have a nice chat and teach them the best way to get things done. You have less of an opportunity for them to feel overwelmed by their chores and no fighting about it as they get older. They learn that everyone needs to pitch in in order for a house to run smoothly.

Cathy - posted on 07/30/2009

Hi. I think as soon as they start showing interest in wanting to help you around the house that is a good indication to start them on their own chore list. Start out with simple things and gradually add more as they get older. Have them help with folding wash cloths, small towels and setting the table when they are little. Then build up to dusting, vacuuming and dishes. Some children don't want an allowance, they would rather get a special toy, movie/video night or just a date with mom or dad. Find out what they would like for a reward and getting them to do their chores won't be such a task.

A 9yr old should be able to feed,water and take a dog for a walk(with a parent) daily. But picking up feces should be the parents responsibility. Kids don't do as well of a job cleaning that up. A 4yr old might be more help and then older sibling because they think chores are fun, especially when you make a game/race out of it. Hopefully I was some help to you. I'm a mom of 3. Ages 14,13 & 5.

Tally - posted on 07/30/2009

my son is 11 and has been doin chores since 8, he does the disehs every day not pots and pans just plates bowls cups and silverwear. he also started doin the bathtub once a wk at age 10 and still does his bedroom. he gets $10 a wk if he does it everyday. i put a check on the calender if he does a chore.

Jackie - posted on 07/30/2009

My friends are having issues with their school aged children because they didn't do what I and my husband did! As soon as our children were toddlers we assisted them in picking up their rooms everynight and other parts of the house. Now that our children are 10 and 9, they can do all of the major chores in the house with no assistance and realize before they can do anything chores have to be done.



They do everything from feeding animals, cleaning cat boxes, doing dishes, laundry, scrubbing the bathroom, and now are even starting to cook dinner. My friends children do NOT help and when they do help are not sure what to do or how to do it properaly.

Karla - posted on 07/30/2009

I have 4 children; ages 12-7. For your 4yr old cleaning the room and picking up after her/himself is a start. When my daughters were that age, I used to have them grab a little stool and help out with dishes every now and then (plastic ones) and they used to love helping. For your soon to be 9yr old, taking out the trash would be a good one to add to the chore list if your 9yr old is a boy. If your 9yr old is a girl, maybe cleaning the table after dinner or some dishes. My opinion is, if your kids understand what you are saying and can respond where we can understand, then they are ready for chores. We as parents are only preparing them and teaching them responsibility for their future years. Sometimes if we wait too long to teach them, it takes longer to stick. Hope this helps.

Stacey - posted on 07/29/2009

my daughter has been assisting since for as long as she can followe directions. Put your dirty laundry in the basket, help set the table, I have even given her the window and she cleans doors, tables, the refrig and is actually pretty good at it. She is 6 and loves to help...let's hope this lasts a while

Melanie - posted on 07/29/2009

All my kids bring their laundry baskets downstairs on laundry day. My 13 year old does the cat box, takes out the garbage, mows, and cleans the bathroom. My 9 year old mops the kitchen and empties & refills the dishwasher. My 3 year old cleans the kitchen table after I spray it for her and helps me separate laundry.

My kids do NOT get an allowance. Helping with chores around the house is part of being a family, not something you get paid to do. If my older kids want to make money, they can do extra things, like weed the garden, clean out the gutters, or rake in the fall.

Someone asked about how to get them to do things without a reward? Simple. I am the parent, and if I say do it, they do it. I don't ask-I tell. Asking is for optional things, like where to go for dinner. Telling is for things that are non-negotiable. That doesn't mean you can't say 'please' and 'thank you' when they comply, but it also means they don't get to decide whether they do it or not. Maybe someday that approach will quit working, but my oldest will be 14 in Jan., and it hasn't been an issue yet.

Christine - posted on 07/29/2009

I started my kids with chores at age 4 as long as they can follow directions start them of with something little....my 4 yr old son loves to help take out the trashand my 5 yr old daughter loves to unload the dishwasher(no knives)....

Esme - posted on 07/29/2009

when i was small i started to do chores at 9 yr old i never had a pet until i was 18yr old so my chores at 9yr old wore from cleaning my room to do landury by age 11 i knew how to cook i was the oldest one from 4 kids i im a mother now my son 13 yrs old and i had him doing chores starting cleaning his room and vacume his room and throw out the trash at age 10 now he dose a little bit more i ahve a daughter that is in speacial needs she is 7yrs old and he helps me with her all the time and i think that is enough chores for him to do.. i think age 9 is the right time for kids to do chores. i hope this will help you =)

Lisa - posted on 07/29/2009

Well, my 4 year old had to make sure all the helments are put in the container after a family bike ride which is at least 4 time a week in the summer. My 8 & 10 year olds take turns doing the dishes,taking out the trash and feeding the cat.

Katherine - posted on 07/29/2009

Hi there,



i have 3 boys aging in agefrom 14,12 and 4. I give them all chores to day everyday. My oldest started doing chores when they turned 4 by picking up there toys helping unload the dishwasher and helping cleaning there room. at age four they can do a lot to help around the house with supervision. Now that the 2 kids are older they do there own laudry and take the trash out and just help around the house. This will help them in life when they are away to college or even at the friends house. Start young and they will learn that it is good to help.



Kate

Ali - posted on 07/29/2009

My 10 year old at the age of 9 had 9 chores. I found that handipoints.com helped choose the best chorse for her. As for my 4 yr old has to clean up his toys, help make his bed and clean his room, and he puts the silverware away for me. He also loves to vaccum. I went with the rules of your age is how many chores you had. It has worked for me. Good Luck!

Wendy - posted on 07/29/2009

I think @ whatever age the start know what it means to have chores. My youngest is 8 and he do some chores.

Jen - posted on 07/29/2009

My 4 year old has a chore chart where she can earn special privileges like chose what the family will eat or making a dessert for the family as a long term goal she is earning her birthday party and a new set off grooming brushes for her to use on the horse. all she really has to do is keep her toys picked up brush her teeth and take care off the pets.

Angie - posted on 07/28/2009

thanks to all of you guys that helped with my problem...

Shakima - posted on 07/28/2009

my son how is nine have chores now like take out the trash, clean the bathroom, and wash dishes, of course it really don't be any dishes in there but he feels that its alot.

Mirna - posted on 07/28/2009

My 3 yr old is kinda crazy, he loves making a mess rather than cleaning it, I try and clean up with him and show him by doing it with him, I ask him to help me make his bed and of course I make him feel like I really needed his help and he shows me how to do it, he feels like he's a big boy and then HE asks me for my help which I give him and he ends up making his bed himself. At times he wants to empty the dishwasher but I let him hand me the dishes since he's still very small and can break things easily. They love to hear that you need their help, he rarely says no to my request. My 12 & 7 yr old split their chores between sweeping, moping, vacuum, dust, take out trash, empty dishwasher, they each are responsible for cleaning their rooms and their bathrooms and alternate on feeding the dogs. Their reward? free time, computer, tv, snow cones etc.

Mirna - posted on 07/28/2009

My 3 yr old is kinda crazy, he loves making a mess rather than cleaning it, I try and clean up with him and show him by doing it with him, I ask him to help me make his bed and of course I make him feel like I really needed his help and he shows me how to do it, he feels like he's a big boy and then HE asks me for my help which I give him and he ends up making his bed himself. At times he wants to empty the dishwasher but I let him hand me the dishes since he's still very small and can break things easily. They love to hear that you need their help, he rarely says no to my request. My 12 & 7 yr old split their chores between sweeping, moping, vacuum, dust, take out trash, empty dishwasher, they each are responsible for cleaning their rooms and their bathrooms and alternate on feeding the dogs. Their reward? free time, computer, tv, snow cones etc.

Kimberly - posted on 07/28/2009

I have had my three boys doing chores since they where about 7years old. they take the trash out, do dish's, and vacum. by sides cleaning their room

Laura - posted on 07/28/2009

My girls are 6 and 4, and they already help me with small chores like cleaning their room, making their bed, putting their dirty clothes where they belong, sorting laundry and even dropping it in the washer, etc. My little one even likes it when I leave a few of her plates and cups in the sink for her to wash. I'd say the younger you get them started the better. I don't offer a reward because they love being a part of things. I must accept cleaning their room is not their most favorite activity, so sometimes I'd ask before we are about to sit down to watch a movie or before we are leaving to the park. It works and more than anything they love the fact that they get praised for being so helpful.

Brandi - posted on 07/28/2009

krista .... trial and error with the pay off to do jobs. my oldest (15) i use to pay her to do her "jobs" then i woke up to reality. never pay your children to do somthing productive to the household. you do not get paid to do house chores why should your kids? it about being responsible and teaching them this is what needs to be done to have a nice home. if they do not do them like with my oldest she ill not get to go hang w/ her friends. the house needs to look nice before anyone gets to do what it is what they want.

My 6yr old loves loves loves to help me in the kitchen. BUT she cannot keep her stuff cleaned up in her room. she is the type all "her" stuff is on the floor. i tell her b4 each meal b4 you sit to eat make sure your room is clean. b4 we go somewhere make sure ur room is clean or you are staying home.

Krista - posted on 07/27/2009

For those of you who don't give rewards for doing chores: how do you get them to do them? What do you do if they don't do them??

Brandi - posted on 07/27/2009

I have a 15yr 7yr and 6yr. trial and error here. oldest child spoiled and act like she too good to do anything. my 7yr and 6yr makes their bed clean their room and fold and put away their clothes after I wash. 15yr old cleans the kitchen bedroom and bathroom.

Erin - posted on 07/27/2009

I have two kiddos that are old enough to help out! 5 & 8. My 5 yr old helps with the laundry (sorting, folding and putting loads in washer/dryer), sets the table, clears the table, helps put clean dishes away, (and she loves to wash dishes). My 8 yr old; feeds the dog, helps mow the lawn, helps with laundry (folding, sorting, and putting loads in washer/dryer), cleans his own bathroom (ewww, I refuse!!), and takes the trash out. They both are responsible for keeping their rooms clean, making thier beds and keeping their play area clean. They both help pull weeds, and water plants, and help out with meal preparation. Sometimes it is more work to have them help, but I know it will pay off in the end. We also have them help with alot of other household chores but I wouldn't call them just theirs chores.

April - posted on 07/27/2009

I have a 9 year old and a 6 year old and I have made up each their own chore list. If they complete all chores for the week, at the end of the week I let them chose a prize from the "treasure box". I constantly pick up items in the dollar bins at Target or Walmart or even the dollar store and put them in our box (treasure box). They enjoy getting a prize at the end of the week, and if they do not do the chores - they do not get a prize. I haven't had them not comply yet =) I also tell them how important it is for them to do their part around the home, and that it teaches them responsibility....I told them we will do it this way until I feel they are ready to recieve an allowance.....which might be soon for my oldest. My 6 year old helps empty the dishwasher, she puts away silverware, cups, bowls - the easy stuff. She also makes sure our recycling goes out into the recycling bins in our garage. I also put simple things on there like: Brush teeth, hair in the AM and PM ; Make her bed (it won't be perfect but at least she trys and it will get better with practice); I have glass coffee tables and she windexes those once a week, she uses the swifter (which happens to be her fave chore - don't ask me why, lol); she dusts sometimes; puts a new trash bag in the trash can when needed.
My oldest helps load the dishwasher, wipes the kitchen table, cleans her bathroom mirror - sink- toilet, she scoops her cats litter box, takes out the trash, vaccums, among other things. She wants to start doing her own laundry now, lol.
The chore list thing is working for us, I'm happy - not all the work load is on me and they are learning responsibility too =)

Akilah - posted on 07/27/2009

My son is 4 but has been helping around the house since he was 2 b/c he trys to do everything I do. He helps unload the dishwasher (w/ me there of course) by taking out the dishes and hands them to me, he wipes off the table, feeds the cats, sweeps the floor (well he trys at least, lol), helps bring in groceries, and picks up his toys. As he gets older and able to accomplish tasks that require more strength (and won't scare me that something will break) then I'll let him do more.

Amanda - posted on 07/27/2009

I have 4 children, my 12 year old has the dishwsher to load and unload as needed i wash the dished that are left, she also picks up the dining room(cleans table and picks up whatever might be ont he floor and sweeps). My 7 year old picks up the living room and entry way, then vacuums that room as needed. My 3 and 4 year olds take care of what is theirs(toys downstairs go back up to their rooms) and my 4 year old love to take care of her own laundry which actually leads more to me redoing it again. Also everyone helps outside and with the puppies.

Cheryl - posted on 07/27/2009

Hi there! I think kids should help around the house as soon as they are able to understand directions. I have a 14, 10 and 8 year old. All 3 kids help clear off the table after meals that was a rule started very early something your 4 yr. old can do start with their own dishes and as the child gets older can than help to clear off more things. Each child cleans their room, and puts away their own laundry; and my 14yr. old puts out the garbage and recycling. My husband and I both work so any little thing that one of the kids can help with helps me out a lot. However, I dont give an allowance for helping around the house simply because I feel they get enough throughout the year; and I want them to learn that running a household takes teamwork, and not matter what the chore is big or small every little bit contributes to that.