How do we train up kids that have skills they will need to be successful adults? Where do we start?
Initially, it takes effort on the parent’s part to begin the process. They are going to need help- “doing” the chore. Yes, it would be easier for you to just go fill the dog dish with water. BUT- the character it builds in your child is worth the extra few minutes and the possible spills. As you work with your kids in each phase- you are not looking for perfection. You are looking to teach, train and lead them along the way.
It’s important to keep reminding yourself this is the first time they have carried water in a bowl across a room, this is the first time they have scrubbed a plate, this is the first time they wash the clothes. You have done these things hundreds of times, but they haven’t. In fact, a few months ago they weren’t even capable- so give them very detailed and patient instruction. In time you’ll see them do things well, but it takes practice!
As you teach these chores, take time to teach them these skills they will use their whole lives! Invest in this as much as you do in memorizing the multiplication tables!
Here is a simple list – there are far more extensive ones online – But this gets you started!
Preschool 3-5
- carry laundry
- match socks
- put shoes away
- pick up toys
- fill water dish for pets
- sort silverware
- wipe counter
- feed pet
- carry groceries
Early School Age 5-8
- set table
- put away laundry
- load dishwasher
- water plants
- get mail
- take out trash
- wash window
- clean shower/tub
Middle School and Tween
- Fold Laundry
- Vacuum
- Sweep
- Wash Car
- Wash/Dry Clothes
- Clean Bathroom
- Pull Weeds
- Plant Flowers
- Scan Documents
- Babysit
High School
- Organize closet
- Clean out area for donations – outgrown items
- Clean out garage
- Plan and Cook a Meal
- Pay Bills and Basic Accounting for Family
Tools that helped us!
- There is this amazing system called Accountability Kids that we used with our kids when they were 3-8. It’s basically a pegboard that has these cards with tasks that you hang in their room. As they do a task they move the card to the “finished” peg. They can earn money, rewards and just feel so accomplished as they do their tasks for each day. It gave our schedule so much routine and predictability! They could look each day and see exactly what was going to be happening. http://accountablekids.com/
- BUSYKID APP and debit card. As our kids got older we wanted to teach them more about the value of work/money and how far money really goes when you want the VANS! This app allows parents to attach a monetary value to each chore. The kids have to be responsible and check off what chores they did. Parents then go in and approve the “income generated” and it goes into an account each week. They can save, give or put the money on a debit card they can use anywhere. IT’S AMAZING! https://busykid.com/
I don’t make anything off of these links- I just really want you to have them!
