Kids and Chores - What happened?
Posted 10th July 2008 by kat
I have two boys, 10 and 7 years old. They have been doing various chore since they were two. It started with putting their toys away and putting their clothes in their hampers. Now they can load and unload the dishwasher; sort, wash and put away their laundry; clean and vacumn their bedrooms; clean their bathroom; cook eggs, french toast, pancakes, and even lasagna.
My oldest says that he's the only one in his class who does chores. I thought he was exagerrating but in talking with other moms, I found that he may be right. I've seen other kids bedrooms that are so messy that you can't find the bed. I've heard stories about how "mom, will pick it up form me". I've seen parents running back to school with their kids lunch/homework/jacket, etc.
We talk about accountability. We talk about building responsible adults yet we do so much for our own children that wasn't done for us when we were young. Have we regressed? Are we overcompensating? Or am I completely off the wall re: this topic?
I'd like to know what you think? Does your child do any chores? Are their consequences for when they don't get them done? Are they equal to/ less than/ more than what you did as a child? Are they linked to an allowance? I'm curious to see what you think. Drop me a note.
Thanks!
2 comments so far...
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Victoria on 11th July 2008
Thus, our kids started chores early. Unloading the dishwasher, setting the table, letting the dogs in and out, help with yard work, vacuuming, etc. And yes, they get an allowance for it, starting at 25 cents a week at the youngest and working up to $20 per week at the oldest (teen years).
You know, it is funny. My 5 year old doesn't mind them. He is happy doing the Swiffer dance on Saturday's and personally providing napkins and silverware when helping to set the table. He even helped out picking up tree and bush trimmings this weekend and then got payoff by jumping in the pile.
If chores aren't done, the kids don't get paid and we explain why. We don't punish as it would be a negative association to chores. But, so far, they have become a part of daily life and this hasn't been a huge issue. In fact, when my oldest (20) comes home from college he automatically mows the lawn, takes out the trash, and cleans the bathroom. We don't ask, we don't pay him, he just contributes. How's that for payback!
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Michele on 10th July 2008