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Children and Chores - Do You Delegate? |
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Written by Aurelia Williams
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A few generations ago, children were commonly expected to help
around the house. When society was mainly based on agricultural
endeavors, children were expected to help around the farm as
well. Our society has changed and so has our expectation of our
children. Learning to delegate household chores to children can
benefit both the children and the parents.
Let's admit it, mom and dad work hard all day. Facing household
chores in the evening can take away time that should be spent
with kids, stress you out or just add another burden to your
otherwise overloaded to do list. Delegating household chores
between all the occupants of the house seems only fair. There
are jobs around the house even the smallest child can do.
Chores are great for the kids as well. Though they may complain,
forget or otherwise try to find ways out of chores they do
benefit from them. They are taught responsibility, essential
life skills and even some reasoning skills. Learning to do
dishes or laundry is essential to any child. They need to be
able to do these on their own some day so they may as well start
doing these at home. It also gives them a feeling of
accomplishment.
What chores kids can do, really depends on the age and the
ability of that child. You may want to do the chore with them to
begin with. Show them the correct way, then let them try it with
your supervision. If they do ok, assign them this chore. Always
follow up and make sure their chores are done and done
correctly. Remember they are kids and are just learning.
Pre-schoolers can perform the basic chores. They can learn to
pick up after themselves. Take care of their toys, make their
beds and this kind of chore is ideal.
Older from 6 to 9 children can do all this plus learn to
take care of the pets, fold and take care of laundry and even
learn to vacuum and sweep floors.
Children from 10 to 13 can take on even more responsibility. They
can do dishes, clean the bathrooms and even learn to cook simple
meals with supervision. Once they have reached the age of 14
consider more responsibility. Laundry can be done by older
children as well as car care, preparing meals or any other chore
that parents feel they are capable of doing.
Some children are more adapt at helping around the household
than others. Children who want to learn to cook and clean should
be encouraged. Supervising young children around the stove and
other hot appliances is essential, but they should be allowed to
try these things when they feel they are ready.
With the question of chores comes the question of allowance.
This is a very popular subject in many a child's mind. There are
different theories as to who should get allowance, how much and
what for. Sit down and discuss with your child their
responsibilities around the house. Talk to them about how much
they think these chores are worth. Teach them that their time
and effort is worth something, but they have to be realistic.
Let them be part of the decision of allowances and what chores
are parts of that.
Parents are responsible for teaching their children important
life skills. Teaching them how to keep up a house and themselves
should be included. Show them it is a team effort to keep the
house running smoothly. Everyone pitching in to keep a
comfortable, clean house will show them it is worth the effort.
About the Author:
Aurelia Williams is a certified life coach and author of
Getting Out Of The Super Mom Trap
Learn how to quickly & easily
get more done through delegation.
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