Tips for Organizing Chore Lists and Age Appropriate Tasks

Routines and chore charts are important tools that helps maintain harmony in a household because everyone knows what is expected of them.  I learned that from Supernanny.

I love Nanny Jo.  I wish she was my friend and we could have tea once a month so she could share techniques with me and point out where she notices I have been slacking.  Every family I know could use a week spent with her, including myself.  Your family doesn’t have to be out of control to benefit from tips for improvement because there is always room for improvement, right?

Hubby and I have debated chore charts because he feels it is bossy and disconnected (lacking in warmth) to have things written down and checked off, as if I am assigning tasks at work.  After months of unsuccessful verbal chores assigning, he was ready to try chore lists.  I like chore lists because…

Kids are kids and they naturally get distracted or forget what they were supposed to be doing.  It is much easier for them to complete tasks that they can see written down.

• It allows the kids to work independently and gain a sense of responsibility.
• Crossing off the chore upon completion creates a feeling of accomplishment.
• It is a good practice to get into to carry through life as they get older, get jobs, and have responsibilities.
• As a bonus, you are able to get you work done without having to constantly nag, “did you make your bed?” “…brush your teeth?” “…take out the trash?”

The toughest part of assigning chores is probably who does what.

• There may be a bit of guilt involved in the beginning if you feel like you’re “pawning work off” on your kids, but remember, this is preparing them for the future.
• You may be unsure of which jobs are appropriate for which ages.

So here is some help.  Torn right from the pages of Nanny Jo’s handbook are some guidelines for assigning chores.

Toddlers and preschoolers are the perfect age to introduce chores although you may be reluctant to do so.  At this age kids are so excited to help so let them!  But keep in mind, the goal here isn’t really for them to get a whole lot done, but to teach them about responsibility and start good habits.

• Making beds: Get your toddler to help pull up the covers; your preschooler can probably make her bed by herself.
• Picking up toys: It helps if they have one large toy box to throw them into.
• Dusting: Young children love doing this, especially if they get to use a proper ‘tool’ such as a duster! As a precaution, keep the furniture polish out of the equation if your kids are helping.
• Carrying laundry to the wash basket: Get your child his own small laundry basket and train him to throw his dirty clothes in there at bedtime… thereby avoiding him picking up the traditional teen habit of leaving his socks to rot under the bed!
• Fetching the post or the newspaper: Restrict this chore to sensible preschoolers and keep a close eye on your child if he has to cross the road to get to the mailbox.

Six to Twelve Year Olds can do a lot more than we often give them credit for.  They may not be as eager to help as the little ones but when things are all said and done, they feel that same sense of pride that comes along with a job well done.  In addition to the tasks above, put them to work on the following…

• Washing the car: Although you should mix up any detergent yourself
• Vacuuming or sweeping any hard floors: Older kids can mop, but supervise if there are any younger siblings who could slip if your tween doesn’t wring out the mop sufficiently.
• Walking the dog or generally helping to take care of pets: including brushing them and giving them food and water.
• Preparing after-school snacks: such as a drink of milk and a bowl of crisps or some fruit.
• Setting the table: and fixing drinks for themselves and younger siblings.
• Helping in the yard: by weeding, raking leaves and watering plants.

Teenagers…

• Washing windows: Avoid using chemical window washers: a dash of vinegar in water rubbed on and buffed off with rolled-up newspaper will do the job.
• Doing the laundry: They should be able to load up the washing machine, add detergent and start a wash cycle.
• Taking out the rubbish: and any recycling boxes that need to be emptied.
• Mowing the lawn: with a push mower until you’re sure they can handle a ride-on.
• Cooking a simple meal: such as toast or a pasta salad.

There will certainly be times that our kids do not want to do their chores.  Be careful with this.  Our nature may be to give them the day off and excuse them, they are just kids after all.  The problem is it can easily become a habit, and whereas your motivation is extending love and understanding, the lesson being taught is how not to fulfill your responsibilities and obligations.

I have not yet found a chore chart that I really like. Currently I make a new list every day but am not really happy with it. If anyone has a good chart that they use I would love to see it!