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?