It's never to early to teach your child the responsibility of cleaning their living spaces. Read on to learn how even toddlers can help with the housework and share in the responsibility of a clean and healthy home!Step 1 - START 'EM YOUNG. - As I mentioned, even toddlers can help with household chores. In fact, you'll help them improve hand-to-eye coordination, dexterity, and develop a sense of accomplishment when you let them assist you with simple chores. Little ones can sort the silverware into appropriate compartments in the flatware drawer. They can snap lids on plastic containers as you unload the dishwasher. They can sort items you've folded from the dryer into stacks for mommy, for daddy, for the kitchen, or the bath. Let your preschooler feed the kitty or puppy (dry food only, please), put away her stuffed animals, or put her crayons back in the box. He can help with dusting too and will love zooming around your house with a feather duster or Swiffer. (Don't let small children use aerosol furniture polish, as they may inhale it or spray it in their eyes).
Step 2 - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN. - Children of this age can learn to make their beds (overlook the "snakes" under the covers, unless you're expecting guests), wipe down the bathroom sink after brushing, hang their towels on the rack after bathing, and sort their clothes for laundry. Children in the upper grades of elementary school can fold towels and match socks (again, remember not to be too picky and to praise their efforts--we all started somewhere)! Kids of this age should always be responsible for putting away their own toys in the appropriate places (books on the shelf, board game pieces in the correct boxes, etc.).
Step 3 - MIDDLE SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN. - Children of this age can do all the things mentioned above, plus chores that require more attention to detail and dexterity, such as wiping down the shower (they'll love to use a hand-held squeegie), sweeping the kitchen or patio, and vacuuming carpets. (Remind them to pick up items from the floor, first, unless you want to de-sock your vacuum cleaner). Children this age can walk the dog on their own (provided you live in a safe area), empty the kitty box (teach the importance of handwashing afterward), and brush their pets. They can also carry out the garbage and replace the garbage bag in the pails or cans, help weed your flower beds or garden, and assist in the kitchen (watch those knives)!
Step 4 - THE TEENAGE YEARS. - These are the "can do, but will they do" years. If you've instilled a sense of responsibility in your children, by now they can do all the above chores, plus a few which demand more pre-adult responsibilities. Now your children can wash the car (a good requirement before using it on the weekends), help with household repair chores and painting, learn minor auto maintenance (such as changing oil), and prepare and serve a full meal (break them in a little at a time with easy-to-prepare recipes). Now is also a great time to teach financial responsibility. Consider setting up a checking account for your child and teach them to balance their checkbook each month. Help them set a budget for trendy clothing, savings for college or a car, and fun money to use at the movies, eating out with friends, etc.Step 5 - DON'T FORGET THE PATIENCE! - You may have to relax your housekeeping standards a bit as your children (particularly the young ones) learn to help with household chores. The key is to assign regular responsibilities for each age group, to teach them how to do the chore a few times, and then turn them loose to do it on their own. Sure, they'll mess up now and again, but don't be critical! Praise them when the chores are done and reward them each week for a job well done with a special treat, such as a small gift or a trip to the park, or even a chore-based allowance. (This will help with financial responsibility, as well).
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Contributed by Rhonda Browning White,
http://eHow.com Member
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