As soon as children show interest and are able to do a chore, sign them up. Whether you have one child or several, kids need to feel needed and learn to help out. Chores help them to grow in life skills, responsibility and good work habits. Although you might be able to do the job faster and better, force yourself to delegate. Make sure you allot enough time for a clean up a la kids. Don't succumb to your kids whining. Call the troops into action and get the job done.
Keys to success:
Here is a sample chore chart we use:
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Sun. |
Mon. |
Tues. |
Wed. |
Thurs. |
Fri. |
Sat. |
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Set table |
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Clear table |
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Wipe table |
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Load dishwasher |
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Unload dishwasher |
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Wash dishes |
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Dry dishes |
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Sweep floor |
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Take out garbage |
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Your family is probably not so big, so hold a family meeting and discuss what needs to get done, who could possibly do it and how often would you rotate (daily, weekly, bi-weekly). Have youngest children doing easier chores, while older kids tackle the more demanding ones. Regardless, all the kids have to pitch in and there are far less squabbles when they see it is fairly delegated.
ANOTHER RELATED IDEA:
In my house, all the food is brought to the table in proper serving dishes. People are called to the meal. We sit down and say our grace before meals. Then we insist that everyone old enough takes a bowl/platter/water jug and serve the others. Even our six year old twins enjoy this. Those not serving (Mom gets a break) enjoy being served. No one begins eating until everyone is seated. We find that this small detail promotes a spirit of service, good manners, consideration of others and a more enjoyable meal. Mom and Dad actually can eat a hot meal with the family and enjoy their company.