45 Chore Ideas For Kids of All Ages

September 1, 2017 by 10 Comments

chore ideas for kids

 

Getting kids to do chores can be a challenge.  Mostly because kids find them boring or there’s no incentive to do them.  Children need to understand that as a family unit, they need to contribute to the functioning of the household.  They also need to learn responsibility and accountability.  Chores are a great way for children to learn both and to contribute to the family home.  In addition to learning responsibility and accountability, earning an allowance for doing chores is a great way for them to learn money management.

Additionally, we have chore ideas for kids of various ages.  We suggest that you choose several of our chore ideas for kids that you think are age appropriate for your children.  Here’s our list:

  1. Take out the trash
  2. Manage recyclable items
  3. Sweep the floors
  4. Mow the grass
  5. Water the garden or flowers
  6. Walk the dog
  7. Feed the dog
  8. Bath the dog
  9. Load and unload the dishwater
  10. Pick up toys/Clean snack area
  11. Place crayons, books, and other items in designated area
  12. Place clothes in hamper
  13. Do family laundry
  14. Fold clothes in place in drawers
  15. Wash dishes in the sink
  16. Clean the bathtub and toilet
  17. Retrieve mail or newspaper
  18. Empty bedroom and bathroom trash cans
  19. Set the dinner table
  20. Clear the dinner table
  21. Vacuum floors
  22. Wash and vacuum the car
  23. Make snacks for siblings
  24. Pack school lunch for siblings
  25. Assist siblings with homework
  26. Babysit siblings when needed
  27. Drop off and pickup siblings from their activities
  28. Read siblings a bedtime story
  29. Take younger siblings to the park
  30. Rake leaves
  31. Bag leaves
  32. Wash windows
  33. Mop floors
  34. Clean garage
  35. Paint yard furniture, picnic table or fence
  36. Gather and stack firewood
  37. Sweep porch or sidewalk
  38. Run errands
  39. Trim shrubbery
  40. Weed garden/shrubbery beds
  41. Organize and maintain kitchen cabinets/pantry
  42. Take family’s folded laundry to bedrooms
  43. Make bed
  44. Strip bed for laundry day
  45. Iron clothing

Reward your children with an allowance and lots of praise.  You can keep track of their progress with one of our 6 free chore charts below.  Download your child’s favorite chore chart here.

You an find the 45 Chore Ideas for Kids broken down my age here.  Of course, some children are more mature than others so you can delegate the chores in your home as appropriate.  Feel free to print it and share with other moms.  We hope that you found our chore ideas beneficial.

 

 

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How To Delegate Appropriate Chores for Kids

August 27, 2017 by 1 Comment

Please note that the title of this post does not ask if children should do chores.  As members of a family unit, of course, they should contribute.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on how to choose appropriate chores for kids of various age groups.

 

 

chores for kids

 

Preventing Pitfalls

Perfection is an unattainable goal. So, don’t expect it. Instead, take a more casual approach to chores and the way your kids accomplish them. As long as they make an honest effort, don’t discourage them by nitpicking the job they do, as per parenting pros at WebMD.

Next, don’t put off assigning chores to the kids who live in your house. If any child is earning an allowance, they are old enough to manage at least a few simple household errands.  For example, little kids can put their toys away and place their worn clothing into the hamper.  Elementary school age kids can scoop the litter box and feed the dog.

Most parents use an allowance as a tool for their children to learn money management.  Kids do well when they’re taught the value of a job well done too.   So, don’t always rely on money as proof of their contribution.  An allowance as compensation for chores rarely works on young kids who are not money motivated.

However, lavish praise and be consistent.  Express your happiness while your kid is actually doing the chore. This builds positive momentum and keeps your kid in action. Let your children know that you notice their efforts, and be sure to tell them they’re doing a good job, suggest Mom magazine.

Be Specific

Instead of telling your child to go clean your room, tell the exactly what you want them to do.  For example, put your dirty clothes in the hamper, put away your books and toys, or place your toys in the toy box,” is a much better way to give your kid the message. These are appropriate chores for kids that are young too.  Teach them how to make a bed before telling them to make it. Show them how to do the dishes before sending them into the kitchen to clean up. Make a chore chart and don’t micromanage. You want your kids to learn the joy of a job well done. Teach them to do it right, and let them get on with it.

Assign age appropriate chores

There’s no point in telling your toddler to wash the family car or take out the trash. You can, however, kindly instruct a teenager to do the same. Adolescents are able to manage most household chores sans supervision. They may not smile throughout the process, but they’re certainly capable of doing more chores than their younger siblings.

Teens who are newly licensed to drive may actually enjoy chores like using the family car to pick up needed items at the grocery store. Assign the chore of picking up their little sister at dance class, and you may even find your teen asking for more chores, suggests Mom magazine.

Make Chores Fun For Everyone

When you tell your kid to clean the bathroom, provide them with eco-friendly, nice smelling, biodegradable products. If they are not choked by fumes, they may welcome cleaning the tub and toilet. Stock up on a sweet selection of planet pleasing cleaning items from CleanHappens.com.  Make sure these are appropriate chores for kids who will be responsible with the products.

From the age of five until they reach adolescence, most kids are able to contribute time and energy to household chores. For a third or fourth grader, assign daily chores such as making their own bed, unloading the dishwasher, and feeding the family pet.  Other appropriate chores for kids this age may include things like folding and putting away laundry, emptying trash cans and sweeping the kitchen floor.

Seasonal Chore Charts

If your family lives where leaves turn orange in autumn and spring brings April showers, you can assign seasonal chores to your kids. In the summertime, kids can wash and vacuum the car. In winter, they can shovel sidewalks, suggests VeryWell magazine.

Most importantly, show them how you want the job done and always enforce safety rules.  Aside from that, tell your kid what to do and let them do it.  Avoid nagging your teen. Offer kind and encouraging guidance, instead.

Finally, insist that your teen do their chores before they go out with friends.  Setting priorities is a good way for them to learn management skills too.

About the Author: Jack Gould is a hands-on Dad who is proud to call himself a house husband. His articles talk about parenting, raising strong, independent, healthy and happy kids.

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Teaching Your Child Manners Effectively

March 24, 2017 by 7 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on teaching your child manners.  All parents want to know that they are teaching their children to be as polite as possible.  Being polite is a necessary and important part of being a part of society.  And, it is best to instill these values in your children at a young age. 

This is good for them, for you, and for everyone around them.  However, some parents struggle with the approach from time to time. If you find yourself struggling, consider the following:  The greatest power you have is the power to choose. – Lou Holtz.  If you choose to have polite children, you will do the work. 

 

 

teaching your child manners

 

 

Teaching Your Child Manners:

 

Saying Thank You

 

This has to be one of the most important manners of all.  But, it is often one that is hardest for children to learn. Why isn’t really clear.  However, saying thank you doesn’t always come naturally for a lot of kids.  As a result, this can make it difficult to instill this particular manner properly.

However, it is vital to ensure that they learn to say thank you when it is required.  The only way to do this is to make it a real priority. Remind them whenever necessary, and gently admonish them if they forget.  It might also be worth encouraging them to take extra steps when they have something to be particularly grateful for.  If you have older children, teach them to send monogrammed thank you notes or a handwritten letter.  Teaching etiquette is a good idea too.  It is good for them to know that there are other ways of saying thank you.

 

 

teaching your child manners

 

Respecting Others

 

Teaching children to show respect for others is important.  It will slowly become second nature, when it is demonstrated and taught over and over.  You can’t force it, but you can encourage them and be an example of how to show respect to other.

 

Be An Example

 

Your role as parent is very important when it comes to teaching your child manners.  It is your duty to ensure that they are adopting the right societal behaviors  The easiest way to do this is to be an example.  Children will imitate what they see and hear.  Therefore do your best to embody the right behaviors.  Demonstrating the right behavior will show your children that you’re not only saying it, you are living it.

We hope our tips on Teaching Your Child Manners was inspirational.  You may also like:  11 Manners You Should Teach Children

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Disobedient Children Are Hazardous

July 12, 2016 by 2 Comments

Do you have children who are disobedient? Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on guiding disobedient children.  Did you know that disobedient children can become hazardous?  It’s hard to admit that our children are the darling little angels that we dreamed about.  Children want things their way, but they have a limited way of expressing their emotions.  As a result, they act out by crying, screaming, hitting, or using other avenues.

They go as far as they can by testing our limits. They want results, they want you to give in and allow them to have their way. There’s good news, disobedient behavior should pretty much disappear by the time children reach their teens.   At least the screaming, hitting and crying should disappear. However, prepare for a new set of behaviors to appear. 

 

 

parenting tips, parenting, disobedient children

 

Disobedience becomes a habit with your child, so you need to take appropriate action quickly.  First, teaching your child to obey rules and to be respectful is a part of parenting.  Obeying rules is a part of living in a society.  Additionally, children must display respect at home and at school, while driving, playing on the beach and every other area of their life.  They must understand that disobedience can lead to:

  • Poor relationships
  • Becoming an underachiever
  • Poor grades
  • Problems with the law
  • Disrespect of others
  • Violence

If your child becomes disobedient and is displaying any of the problems above, you may want to assess what’s happening in your home and seek outside help if needed. Children will also act out if they’re feeling stressed, unloved, or witnessing problems at home. Children may also act out if:

  • A parent is absent or not involved
  • Alcohol or drugs are being abused
  • Rules or boundaries are not established
  • Family members yell and scream
  • Lack of money is causing problems
  • Violence is prevalent

 

Additionally, children will act out and become rebellious and disobedient if there are problems at home. Most importantly, ignoring your child’s disobedience and problems in your home will not make them go away.  Seeking counseling is a good way to help resolve problems before the child becomes out of control and encounters legal problems. As a result, they must understand the importance of obeying rules and the consequences they will encounter if they choose to disobey.

Years ago, my daughter and I attended counseling sessions. I accepted the fact that I didn’t have all the answers. It helped me tremendously to see things from a teenager’s perspective, and become a better parent during her teenage years.

Although I have parented successfully, I don’t consider myself to be a child expert by any means. I also know that schools, churches and many employers offer family counselors to assist families when they need help. Last, don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek it if you need it.  Once their child becomes hazardous, many parents wish they had reached out.  Don’t be a parent who looks at things in hindsight, deal with the problems when the occur. You and your child will be thankful for your insight.

You may also like Teaching Your Child Responsibilities

 

 

 

 

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6 Tips on Character Building for Children

July 9, 2016 by 6 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on character building for children. First, children aren’t born with good character and it isn’t hereditary.  Helping to develop your children’s character is essential.  A person’s character is the essence of who they are.  As a result, children must learn that their character will surface in all areas of their life. As a result, parents should teach character by example. 

 

 

character building for children

 

 

Character Building for Children:

 

Be Trustworthy – Teaching children to be honest is a must. Being honest is an important character trait.  Next, being trustworthy helps to build a good reputation, which is important in life.  Stealing, deceiving, cheating or being unreliable are big elements toward becoming untrustworthy.

Be Fair – Teaching children that they must play by the rules is another important character trait.  Their are rules/laws for going to school, driving, and swimming on beaches and in pools. They must be followed; otherwise, there will be consequences.  Additionally, children must also learn to not take advantage of a situation or another person.  It is not right to do so.

Be Responsible – Teach your children the importance of honoring their word.  If they say they’re going to do something they must live up to it.  Teach children to think before they act.  Also, self-control is imperative to good character and they must strive to be an example to others.

Be Caring – Displaying kindness toward other is a big part of developing character. Children should help others  and be forgiving when others upset or hurt them. Because the world is unfair at times, we must forgive and move forward.

Be a Good Person – Most importantly, children should learn that obeying the law is essential.  Get your child involved in community service and doing volunteer work. You may like the post Why You Should Teach Your Children To Volunteer.

 

Furthermore, teaching your children good manners is every parent’s responsibility.  It seems that children today are rude and disrespectful.  Saying thank you, please or excuse me seems to be a thing of the past.  Why do they interrupt their elders or not hold doors for people entering or exiting a store or building?  Manners are a part of daily life, however, it seems to not be important today.

Finally, helping to develop your child’s character must start at an early age.   So, I hope my character building for kids tip inspire you.  Many traits make up a person’s character.  Raise children to be good people.  However, they are not expected to be perfect.  Strive to lead by example. Loving unconditionally should be something parents do every day.  Telling them that you love them unconditionally is just as important. Most importantly, kids will remember the conversations and examples they were shown during their character development.

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Help Your Child Reach Their Potential

June 14, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Uncovering the true potential in children takes work.  A child being successful at whatever she does is the biggest dream of every parent.  So, today we’re sharing parenting tips to help your child reach their potential.  As parents, you should do everything that you can to help in their development. To help bring positive results, you will have to encourage and build a few characteristic traits. Not all children are the same and every child has his or her specialty. Your guidance will help your child identify their strengths and build on them, which in turn will help them reach their full potential.

 

 

help your child reach their potential

 

 

  1. Recognize Your Child’s Potential:

Instead of asking your child to follow others, find out what is special about your child. There will be some things that your child is good at, but they may excel at others. They may hate math, but love ballet or baseball. They may have problems in language class, but be excellent in grasping the concepts of science. Whatever they show an interest in, make sure you talk to them about it. Ask why they are interested.  At the same time, make sure you help them out with things that they may not be as good at. Never force them into anything.

  1. Teach The Importance Of Practice:

Teach your child the importance of practice. Tell them that while they may have an inherent interest and understand the concepts, it is important to keep practicing. It will help them remember things, and with regular practice they may also be able to look at new details that will help them perform better.

  1. Understand Your Child’s Moods And Be Patient:

Be patient with your child in whatever they want to do. Do not doubt their abilities and don’t allow them to doubt their abilities. Tell them that success is all about being patient and working at it. If your child is not able to understand something, help them go over it again and again. If they feel low about something, inquire. Speak politely, but ask what is bothering them. Sudden outbursts of crying, or irritation are natural. Seek to understand why they are behaving that way.

  1. Making Friends:

While this may not seem related, forming good inter-personal skills with others is very important to be able to function in a stressful environment. As your child grows, they will come in contact with more and more people. They may have to interact with people for networking, which could facilitate their goal development. It will help them get a broader perspective on things.  They will see multiple points of view, instead of just their own. Interacting with others will be a great tool to help them understand their strengths and weaknesses and work on them.

  1. Praise Your Child:

As a parent you should appreciate your child’s efforts and applaud them whenever you see them putting in an effort. When you do, your child will feel confident and also love the fact that you are attentive. It will boost their moral and make them  work harder and do better.

Finally, the tips mentioned here are all very easy to follow.  So, help your child reach their potential.  Don’t allow your busy life keep them from succeeding.  If you have a child at home, how do you help your child work towards his/her goals?  We’d love to know more, so tell us in the comments below.

guest bloggers, guest writersAuthor Bio – Aradhana is from India. She is a veteran writer on topics concerning parenting, child nutrition, wellness, health and lifestyle. As a regular contributor to popular sites like Huffington Post, Natural News, Elephant Journal, Thehealthsite, Naturally  Savvy, Curejoy and MomJunction.com.  Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.

 

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The Importance of Building Children’s Self Esteem

October 21, 2015 by

As parents we are responsible for building our children’s self-esteem. We have the ability to make or break our children.  I grow up in an alcoholic home.  Unfortunately, I remember being called names and hearing my mother call my dad names. I remember those times like yesterday.  The memories and scars never leave.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on building children’s self-esteem.  

In most homes families look forward to weekends.  In my home they were dreaded. The hell raising started on Thursdays so there would be an excuse for drinking the remainder of the weekend. I vowed that I would never subject my children to this kind of behavior and I didn’t.

 

 

child's self esteem

 

 

Fortunately, I took my responsibility as a parent seriously.  Because I was a single parent, it was doubly important that I ensure my child was well taken care of.  I made sure she had a high sense of self worth.  I worked hard to instill the following characteristics:

 Confidence – First, instill confidence in your children.  Also, help them believe in themselves and their abilities.  And make sure they know they can count on you for whatever goes right or wrong.  Demonstrating a positive attitude is a must too, and it’s a great way to build children’s self esteem. 

Compliments – Well done, you look pretty, handsome, great job, and I’m proud of you are great compliments.  Children should be praised often.  It will stay with them.

Unconditional Love –  Next, let your children know that you love them even when they make mistakes. It’s important that they know your love for them is unconditional.  As a result, they will always be safe.

Encouragement –  Most importantly, always encourage your children to work through fear.  Always let them know that it’s okay when they fail.  And encourage them to try again.  Be their biggest fan and cheerleader.

Responsibility – Giving children chores and holding them accountable will help with their confidence.

Respect  –  Furthermore, teaching your children about respect is imperative.  Having a high opinion of one’s self will help children have esteem for others.

Finally, fill your children’s self esteem bucket regularly.  It will help define who they are as an adult; therefore, it will become a driving force in their success.  Communicate, compliment and praise often. Success and failure is a normal part of life, and children need to know that both will be experienced throughout their life.  Although they may get down at times, striving for healthy self-esteem should be the goal for all of our children.  So, what can you add to the self-esteem bucket?

You may also like:  Values Help Build Kid’s Self-Confidence.

 

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11 Manners You Should Teach Your Child

May 8, 2014 by

Do you believe children today have less respect for elders and using manners is of no importance? I have found that excuse me, thank you, and please don’t seem to be a part of our children’s vocabulary these days. When did we lose this value? Teens have either cut in front of me or reached across me and never uttered a word.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on teaching children manners.

 

 

manners, parenting,

 

 

When I was raising my daughter, manners were important. Good manners will take our children a long way.  I have been baffled about some children’s interaction with their parents on various occasions.  I have heard children call their parents by their first name, yell at them, just be downright disrespectful and the parent took no action.

Teaching children manners begins at home.  Along with manners comes respect. Instilling manners is a sign of respect for your parents and your upbringing as well as respect for yourself.  Who wants to be around rude and impolite children. These rude and impolite children will grow up to be rude and impolite adults. Here are a few tips to get your child on the road to respect and being polite:

 

  1. Please and Thank You. When you ask your child to pick up their toys, get ready for their bath etc. say please. When your child abides say thank you. Children learn by example.
  2. Yes Ma’am and Yes Sir. This is extremely important, especially when they are responding to seniors.
  3. Say Hello or Hi when you introduce them to friends, co-workers, church members or you have visitors in your home.
  4. Share toys, treats etc. when playing with friends or siblings.
  5. To Not Interrupt adult conversations unless it is an emergency.
  6. Table Manners. This will be important when you’re dining out or invited to a friend’s home or family gathering during the holidays. Your child needs to understand that they can not play with their food, slurp, burp, or create games with their eating utensils. If a burp does arise, teach them to say excuse me.
  7. Excuse Me when they need to pass in front of an adult or get around them.
  8. Be Positive – Say nice things about other people.
  9. Wash Their Hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before meals. Also, teach them to wipe their hand on a towel and not on their clothes. Teaching them to use hand sanitizer is a good idea when soap and water is not available.
  10. Wipe their nose with a tissue and not their hands. Also, picking their nose is improper.
  11. Respect  – Showing respect toward adults and others.  Demonstrate respect and your children will mimic you.

Using patience with your child is a must while teaching them manners. They won’t learn overnight, so it’s important that you remind them of the importance of manners often. As they get older and they have mastered the basics, you can instill other values.

You may also like Teaching Your Child Responsibilities or Guide to Teaching Children Manners.

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6 Free Chore Charts for Children

April 18, 2014 by
Do you give your children chores?  First, I have found that many of our children today have become entitled. They think that they shouldn’t have to work for anything.  Somehow the world owes them.  They make no effort in school, and most importantly they have no respect for their parents or anyone else.  Attitude is everything.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on children’s chores for children.

 

 

chores for children

 

Furthermore, children should learn that there are no entitlements.  They must work for they what they want in life. Children need to understand that mom is not a maid or their personal chef.  Putting a roof over their head and food on the table is the result of work.  Just as important, many children grow up not knowing how to care for themselves or how to do things around the house.  So, chores for children is a good thing.

Each of us should strive to become independent.  Furthermore, we should each strive to make contributions in the world.  Raising responsible children is a must for parents.  It all starts at home.  That thought process still continues in my home.  It applies to my grandchildren today.  Equally important, work ethics should be instilled early.  There are many benefits to children being given chores.  We suggest that you use our children’s chore charts below to track and reward their progress.  Here are a few benefits for giving children chores:

  • Responsibility – So, teaching children to take care of the home and themselves should be taught early. This includes their room and their hygiene.
  • The Importance of Completing A Task – Next, children need to learn how to start a task and take it to completion.  They will learn endurance, perseverance, and to do things over again if it’s not satisfactory.  Using chore charts is a good way to help them remember and organize.
  • Team Work – Chores will teach children about working as a member of a team in the home. Seeing that each has a part will help them see how each contributes. It will demonstrate that each team member contributes to the success of a family and relationship.
  • Self Sufficiency – Also, children need to learn how to sustain themselves when possible.  Getting a drink from the refrigerator can teach self sufficiency.  Putting on their clothes, shoes etc. are good places to start.
  • How to Clean and Organize – Giving children the responsibility of helping with dishes, meals and cleanup teaches this lesson.  It will give them a sense of keeping things tidy, and the satisfaction of keeping order.
  •  The Importance of Money – Furthermore, children need to learn that things in the home cost money.  This includes recreational items, clothes, games, toys etc.  Allowing them to do chores to earn money is a great way to help with this lesson. Teach them to save for something they want.  Allow them to experience the excitement of reaching their goals.
  • How to Save Money – Giving an allowance for assisting around the house is a great way to teach children to save money for something they would like to have or do down the road. 
  • Receiving and Giving Rewards – Finally, children will learn that receiving and giving rewards boosts confidence and self-esteem.   

chore chart printablesNext,  download our children’s chore charts shown above here.  Children’s chore charts are a great way to help your children remember and complete their daily chores.  Use gold stars as a reward.  Place the gold stars on the days chores were completed.  Most importantly, praise your children generously.  Praise can be more of an award than the gold stars and money.  You may also like Chores for Children by Age.  



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