I'm a big advocate for play. But kids need to work, too.
We have a new chore chart up on the wall. Until recently, my kids were still struggling with the basic tasks of personal maintenance --- getting dressed, brushing teeth, fetching their own bowls and spoons, pouring milk and tucking their pajamas away each day. Taking responsibility for these simple daily tasks seemed enough.
But now we're moving into the next step. Teaching them both simple household jobs: drying dishes, setting the table, sorting out the weekly mound of recycling. It's amazing. I can't believe how fantastic it feels to watch kids work. Not only does work get done around the house without me doing it -- I can even sit quietly and read a book while the kids stomp plastic bags into a compact bundle and load the recycling tubs -- but it's marvelous to see kids at work. A bit of grumble here and there, but on the whole, joy. That's right. They shine with a feeling of competence and family contribution.
Kids need to be part of family work. To learn the skills, to help out, and to feel the pride that comes with being part of something. Watching my kids work, it occurs to me how rarely I see children working these days. One boy in the neighborhood mows the lawn. Another child weeds his grandmother's garden. But it's a rare sight.
Are you doing chores with your children now? What kind of chores did you have as a kid growing up? What ages seem right for certain jobs?
Heather - I love the photograph, it's exceptional! And I agree with your thoughts on chores. It uplifts one's self-esteem to know they're making a positive contribution.
When I was growing up my sister and I washed and dried dishes, feather dusted, and we learned to sort laundry by whites, darks, brights. As we got older, mom added vacuuming, Windexing windows, and ironing our own clothes. As a family with dogs, we also had the grand chore of "poop patrol."
Thanks! The picture came from a camping trip - lots of camp chores there, too. Thanks for sharing your childhood chores - including poop patrol!
I had the "usual chores"--at least we thought they were usual because it seemed like every kid in the neighborhood had them. Washing and drying dishes, making one's bed, cleaning one's room, mowing and shoveling, picking dandelions (One cent per flower! lol Didn't matter if we got much of the root, though.)
I don't have kids but I think kids should start doing basic chores as soon as they are able to do so. Even a two year old can be told to put toys from the floor into the toy chest. Best of all, I think youngsters often take great pride in helping Mom and Dad. It shows the world that they are "grown up" and gives them self-confidence. The same reason most of us work as adults: we feel important and valued.
A penny per flower! I love it. Roots or not...
My 21 month old son doesn't have chores, but he loves helping around the house! He puts his toys away, puts dishes away, puts his dirty clothes in the hamper, etc. I only use a stroller when he wants to go for a stroll, otherwise he walks or rides in the sling. He loves helping and carrying his own things. I hope I can help him maintain his interest in participating in our family in this way.
Sounds as if you've got a great helper! Lots of toddlers like to "help" (helpful or not) and it's great that you're encouraging his independence. Things do change as kids grow older, but if you keep giving him ways to exercise independence and feel part of the family at the same time, your little helper may continue to be a cheerful helper as he grows. Enjoy! And thanks for stopping by.
Left comments over at the post on What To Expect! Thanks for srhniag! Got to show my kids I am not the only Mom who expects her kids to get off the couch and contribute to the household!! We pretty much run our houses the same way it sounds like. Just recently my kids started being responsible for doing their own laundry. I highly recommend it! They need to know how to do it and it took a huge load of me!! I had to set a few rules. The main one being no starting a load after 8 pm and no leaving your clothes in the dryer for me to deal with while you are gone at school etc...
Thanks for stopping by, Bianca, and thanks for sharing, too. Laundry is a great one for kids. Pretty easy and a big time saver for parents. Your point is good - we teach them first, then the methods can be refined, but the main point is to get them doing it. Way to go.