So yesterday and today we have been discussing chores with our three children(8yr, 5yr, and almost 2yr). They decided they wanted to choose their own chores, which is fine with me, but in choosing their own chores they seem to be a little over eager. My 8yr old wants to cook dinner and lunch and breakfast and take out all the trash and my 5yr old wants to do some of the same stuff. Now, while I know that my 2yr old is incapable of doing the above mentioned things, I started wondering about what they should be doing at their respective ages...I don't want to be the parent that has her kids acting like adults. I want my girls to have fun, be responsible but still be able to enjoy being a kid.
I started thinking to myself, what are some things that they should be doing at their ages, above and beyond their homework, etc. AND in my efforts to not reinvent the wheel, I did a lot of googling...And I was in luck! I found some great sites that have age ranges and age appropriate chores, so I thought I would share these with you.
http://housekeeping.about.com/od/chorechart1/a/ageapprchores.htm
http://www.workingmom.com/age-guidelines.htm
I thought those two were great sites! And don't be afraid to use them either! My youngest, who will turn 2yrs old in September of this year, understands soo much at her age. We ask her to take stuff to the trash, bring us a diaper, wipes, her shoes, socks, etc and she knows exactly what we are talking about and does exactly what we ask. AND anytime she does this she gets super excited and claps saying "yay" each time...and I just think that's one of the cutest things ever! And they are never to young to instill good values and habits or to use positive reinforcement for a job well done!
What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate chores into your kids' daily life? How do you make it fun for them? How do you encourage them in their chores? What chores do you have your children of different ages doing?
