The FAQs About Kids’ Chores

Yes!!! I’m that mom who believes that chores should be consciously incorporated into a child’s life. I see it as a good character builder and a way of preparing kids for the world out there, where things are not always rosy and everything is not at their beck and call.

As much as we want the best for them, we don’t want them to be ingrates who will take certain things for granted, neither do we want them to end up being the lazy type who will feel entitled to be waited on hand and foot.

One thing I do is that I never underestimate the energy of kids. Try to channel it towards the right source and you will be surprised at the outcome.

One day, my 4 year old finished eating eba and soup. She went ahead to wash her hands but ended up spending more time than necessary. When I finally went to the kitchen to tidy up, she was no longer there but I was surprised to see that she had pulled up a chair to stand on and wash. Not only did she wash her plates, she went further to wash every other plate in the kitchen and stack them neatly on the freezer top.

Don’t ask me how clean the plates were at the end of it all… it was very sticky clean! LOL.

But I was so touched and impressed;

Firstly, because she didn’t need to be told before doing that.

Secondly, she washed all the other dishes.

And thirdly, she didn’t put the plates back on the rack because they had not been towel dried as her hands could not reach the kitchen towels.

So you see what I mean when I say, ’Never underestimate these kids?’

Below is a list of my kids’ weekend chores;

P.S. We are simply laying their foundation for better work ethics in the future.

There are basic chores which range from brushing their teeth to bathing, feeding and dressing up, especially for the oldest.

Niki (6 years old): She’s at this transition stage where she doesn’t really need my assistance to complete chores anymore. I just cross check afterwards.

Extra chores include;

·        Dusting the house (wearing an old pair of socks on her palms while doing so.)

·        Clearing the dishes after a meal.

·        Putting away laundry.

·        Tidying up and arranging toys, shoes and books.

·        Occasionally does the dishes.

Steph(4 years old): She still needs to be guided and assisted with her own chores occasionally.

Extra chores:

·        Assists Niki with some of her chores.

·        Loves to run errands without being asked.

She’s the most active 4 year old I’ve ever come across.

·        And she’s my little ‘dispatch rider’. Don’t know how she does it but she can do that job tirelessly and effortlessly. LOL

Mich(1+ year old): She’s never left out, if not, we are in for it because she will have a fit. She enjoys helping everyone around the house with everything.

Extra Chores:

·        She helps mummy to bring out the maggi cubes when cooking, while scattering the rest of the spice containers.

·        She rushes to bring a cup for daddy when he’s thirsty, but must drink from it before anyone.

·        She offers to help mummy type her blog post when she’s not asleep and do I have a choice?

She is technically the most ‘helpful’ helper in the house. LOL.

In order to achieve quicker success though, these three rules should always be noted.

·        Explain in simple terms what you want your kids to do.

·        Don’t expect perfection at first.

·        Give more praise and rewards, less corrections.

Chores teach kids independence and responsibility while making them feel important. As difficult as it may seem, do not do everything for your kids. Allow them to do the little they can by themselves and hopefully, they will grow up to be more responsible and empathetic citizens.

I hope you found this article useful. Thanks a lot for stopping by the blog as usual. If you’re a first timer, please start here.

XOXO,

Yours Truly.