Getting kids involved in household chores may not only help the house run smoother, but it can also help develop a sense of responsibility in young people. The keys to making it successful, according to a 2002 study by the University of Minnesota's College of Education & Human Development, are to make sure the chores are not overwhelming or beyond the child's ability or understanding and to give the child a say in what the chores will be and how and when they will be done. Researchers also recommended getting kids involved as young as possible because the lessons of responsibility and the develop of high self-esteem will be greater than if kids start helping out as teens.
For Pre-Schoolers
Elizabeth Pantley, author of several parenting books, including "Kid Cooperation: How to Stop Yelling, Nagging, and Pleading and Get Kids to Cooperate," recommends one-step tasks for 3- and 4-year-olds. These include filling a pet's food dish, putting clothes in a hamper, putting toys away, wiping up small spills and stacking books, magazines or newspapers.
For Ages 4 to 7
Along with the small chores listed above, age-appropriate tasks for kids age 4 to 7 could include bringing in the mail, unloading utensils from the dishwasher, watering plants, using a handheld vacuum cleaner for light clean-up, pulling weeds, setting and clearing the table, emptying wastebaskets and making their own beds. Experts suggest praising the effort made into a task like making the bed, rather than focusing on the wrinkles and rumples in the bedspread or comforter. Those will disappear in time.
Ages 8 to 10
In addition to the previous list of chores, ask these older kids to take pets for a walk, load the dishwasher, use the "big" vacuum cleaner, help make dinner and pack lunch for school, sort and put away laundry, sweep and mop floors, rake leaves and peel vegetables. In her book, "Laying Down the Law: The 25 Laws of Parenting to Keep Your Kids on Track, Out of Trouble, and (Pretty Much) Under Control," Dr. Ruth Peters suggests setting a timer for certain chores and challenge the kids to, for example, sort all the laundry in five minutes or see if a child's room can be picked up in exactly 10 minutes. The "racing the clock" factor may make it fun and generate fewer complaints. Don't set the clock for chores that are delicate in nature, you don't want kids rushing when unloading glasses from the dishwasher, for example.
Pre-Teens
Pre-teens can be tricky to motivate, but it's important to keep them involved. This can also be a time to add such "bigger" jobs as making simple meals, mowing the lawn, washing the car and babysitting. Look for babysitting classes taught in your community (the YMCA and Girl Scouts of America often run such programs) and enroll your child if you think she is ready. More ambitious cleaning jobs at home, such as the kitchen and bathroom, as well as the pool, can be part of the chore list, too.
Teens
Teens can be expected to not only make meals, but shop for them, too (if they can drive and be responsible with money). Yard work and just about any household chore, like cleaning the oven, should be considered. This may also be a time when teens are working jobs outside the home or are doing community service work for graduation or scholarship eligibility, so be aware that their availability for household chores may be limited by their other obligations.
