children and chores

@lala766 (239)
United States
January 7, 2009 11:18pm CST
Do your children do chores? If so what kind do they do and how often and do you pay your kids for doing chores? My 13 year old is involved in sports and other activities it seems like she never has time to do chores... I think I need to get her started on doing a few chores each week. When I was younger I always had chores to do. Kids these days have it easy LOL
4 responses
• United States
8 Jan 09
We don't have "chores" in our household, but we do have the kids into routines where they have to take care of their responsibilities: (1) they put their dirty clothes into the laundry basket immediately (2) they clear their own plates from the table after each meal (3) they clean up whatever they're doing as soon as their finished (4) they make their beds every morning (5) they put away their school stuff everyday after school They're not paid for these things because we're teaching them that these are life skills they'll take with them throughout their lives. As they get older (they're seven, eight, nine, and fifteen) they'll have more responsibilities (like helping to cook meals, taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, helping with laundry, etc.).
• United States
8 Jan 09
Yes you should start her on chores. These are the years where she will form her cleaning habits for later on in life when she has her own home. I didn't have chores until later in life, and as a result I am kind of a messy person. But when I did start having chores they came first. If I didn't do my chores, I lost privileges for after-school activities, and that is how it should be for everyone. I intend to start my son taking out the garbage when he gets a little older, and chores for the both of them later in life. At 7 and 4, they are a little too young for this in my opinion.
@lala766 (239)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I do think 7 and is too young as well. I like the idea of some privilleges being taken away if the chores are not done.
• Japan
8 Jan 09
I don't have set chores for the kids, but cleaning time I get everybody involved. I figure that the kids live here and they should help out. At the moment my two youngest earn a bit from doing chores, they are 6 and 11 and are at the stage of wanting things that they see their friends have, but money is tight so I give them a bit for extra work or doing a chore with a smile, this money is to save for things that I know I can't afford, even if it takes a year!! The only chores that the two boys, 11 year old and 14 year have to do is take care of their dogs. They wanted the animals so they have to take care, feeding, walking and cleaning up after the dogs. So far okay with that, the 14 year old has had his dog for 6 years and takes care of her without being told, even when he had the flu, he dragged himself out of bed to feed her and clean up, but asked me to walk her. The 11 year olds dog is a lab puppy and rather a handful so I help with the walking. One thing I ask everybody to do is take their plates to the sink after meals, also I'm teaching my oldest to cook, he'll be 17 tomorrow and I think he needs to cook more than instant food. Even if your daughter is busy just asking to do a couple of things a week such as vaccuming the living room or taking out the trash doesn't take a lot of time. Good luck, kids hate chores, i know I did and I sympathise when my kids moan, but they still have to do them!! Jacks
@lala766 (239)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I like the idea of everyone getting involved. I did a lot of chores as a kid. I want my sons to know how to wash dishes LOL. My hubby is a better housekeeper than I am.
@sunny0806 (248)
• China
9 Jan 09
I think children should do some chores at home which is good for them in the future. We parents can not live with them forever and they should learn how to live a life. My son is 2 years old and he can't do most chores. But he can put the litter to the ash-bin or collect his toys into the box. After which I will commend him. I'll let him do much chores according to his age. Of course I maybe pay him for this someday but not for everything. He belongs to our family and he should do something for the family just as others.