Train up a child…
Children Need Chores
It is hard to overemphasize the importance of children having chores around the house. By participating in fulfilling the needs of the family, children form a bond with the family unit and gain a feeling of worth. We often sell children short and lower our expectations when we really need to tap into their large supply of energy and help them know they are contributing in a positive way to meet needs around them.
One reason parents may not require children to do chores is that they may feel uncertain as to what the children are able to do. Following are some general ideas of chores that children ages 6-8 may be able to do.
- Assist in meal preparation (mash potatoes, simple cutting with supervision, mixing salad, find ingredients, wash produce, read recipes)
- Wipe bathroom sinks, counters, toilets (this is a good time to teach the proper use of cleaning agents and emphasize the harm that can be caused by improper use)
- Sweep
- Vacuum
- Fold, hang up and put away laundry
- Collect garbage
- Clean the microwave
- Wipe out self-cleaning ovens after they have been cleaned
- Run errands
- Rake leaves
- Set the table
- Clear the table and wash items too large for dishwasher
- Wash, dry dishes and put away
- Get the mail
- Water plants indoors and outdoors
- Pick up and put away things
It is a good idea to have a daily schedule for children. One idea that worked at our house was to require our children to do their chores in the morning, have lunch, have a quiet time, and then allow the children free time in the afternoon to play with friends or do other activities. Children who have no schedule feel insecure and “at loose ends”, uncertain as to how to spend their time.
Children who are not kept busy will find ways to busy themselves. Children are not capable of always making the right decisions for themselves, and they will often get in trouble when left to do so. It is best to keep children busy with positive activities; then, they won’t have time to get in trouble.