The Observer today comments on a report which says getting children to do chores around the home is good for them – teaching important skills and responsibilities. Here at Nurturestore I agree with this, and my thought for the next week is how to nurture these practical and independent skills in a way the children will enjoy.  I commented in my post about the role-play hospital that I find children love getting their hands on ‘real / grown-up’ items – so let’s transfer this interest into helping out around the home. A simple kit with dusters, rubber gloves, feather duster and dustpan and brush can get us started. Put them all in a box and help your child to make a label:  ‘Special Spick and Span Supplies’  perhaps?

And what kind of chores could you expect your child to handle? They can begin to do most things alongside you but at different ages they might take on more independent duties.

Age 3-5 they might make their bed, lay the table (and practice their counting as they do it), help put clothes in the washing machine, help feed the pets

Age 6 –  8 they might do some vacuuming, dust, change their bed clothes, sort washing into colour piles, load the dishwasher, help unpack groceries

Age 9 – 11 they might go to the local shop, do the washing up, polish shoes

And a final consideration is whether to reward these chores or not. One idea is to have a family chore chart (with pictures and words so it’s ‘readable’ even by younger children), so everyone is clear about what responsibilities they have, and to pay pocket money for each completed duty. Others may think helping out around the home is part of family life and children should carry out duties as part of a team effort, rather than to gain a financial reward.  I favour the latter approach – and at the moment I don’t give out any money for chores. My younger children enjoy carrying out tasks to be more grown-up – but perhaps this will be different as they get older?

I’d love to hear other suggestions from your family.