As your children grow up, it is important that they get involved with the household chores. By becoming a helpful part of their home environment, they can do their part to help their family to operate like a finely tuned machine. Plus, they will learn a lot about jobs and responsibilities. Today, we present you with a free printable chore chart along with tips for how to help your kids to get involved and the importance of doing so.
Key Points
- A chore chart can help kids stay organized and aware of what they need to do.
- Chores help teach your kids responsibility and important life skills.
- Make sure you pick chores that are appropriate for your child's age.
The Importance of a Printable Chore Chart
While there are many important reasons to have your kids help with the chores (more on that later), it is also essential that you hold your kids accountable and that everyone shares the responsibilities. If you have a large family with multiple children, then everyone should contribute based on their age and abilities.
A printable chore chart can help. Make one or several copies and then place them on the refrigerator, in the kid’s rooms, or in another community area of your home where everyone will see them. When they look at it, they will be able to instantly tell what chores they have left to do and which are already done. When they finish a chore, they can mark it off of the list. It is a feeling that can be incredibly rewarding and it may encourage your kids to do everything else they have on their list.
The particular printable chore chart below allows you to mark down who is responsible for tasks, such as cleaning the living room, hallways, garage, bathroom, outdoor patio and more. Plus, you have slots for washing the dishes and miscellaneous tasks like taking out the trash, vacuuming, and painting the fence outside. Print the chart below, put it into practice, and you will really see how clean your house can get.
©Michae Allen/Shutterstock.com
Why Kids Should Have Assigned Chores
There are numerous reasons why parents should put their kids in charge of particular chores around the house.
Chores Teach Life Skills
Your kids learn a lot of stuff in school, but they don’t always learn the life skills that can help them to thrive when they grow into adults. Children need to know how to wash and dry the dishes, clean their space, and take care of their belongings. By having them do at least minimal chores, they will learn some of these important life lessons.
Learn About Money and Budgeting
If your kids earn an allowance for completing their chores, then they can learn a lot about saving and budgeting their money. When your children want to buy something, like a video game or toy, you can tell them that they can earn the funds by doing their chores. Once they earn some money, you can also open a bank account for them so they can learn about putting their earnings in a good place so they can earn for a future purchase.
Understand Teamwork
By using a printable chore chart, you can also teach your kids about working as part of a team. When one of your kids washes the dishes, another dries them, and another puts them away, they will learn how they can work as one unit to accomplish a goal. The same can be said if your kids work together out in the yard, they help to clean a room, or anything else they take on.
Improve Time Management Skills
When your kids have chores in addition to school, homework, and time out with their friends, they will learn a lot about time management. This is especially true if you require that your kids complete their chores before they are allowed to go out. It can be incredibly beneficial for them to learn time management now because their lives will only get more complicated as they grow. Enact a good routine today and they will be set to go as they become adults.
Opportunities to Bond
If you have several of your kids working on similar projects, then they will have plenty of time to talk and bond. There is something about working towards a common goal that is great for helping your kids to connect. Parents can also choose to help the kids with their chores and talk to them and forge a stronger relationship.
Chores For Your Kids Per Age
©iStock.com/Olena Ivanova
Parents that are scratching their heads thinking of chores for their kids to do are in luck. Below is a list of chores for different age groups:
Chores for Kids Ages 2-3
- Put toys away
- Put clothes in the hamper
- Wipe up spills
- Pile magazines and books
Chores for Kids Ages 4-5
- Make their bed
- Clear the table
- Water the flowers
- Help unload utensils from the dishwasher
Chores for Kids Ages 6-7
- Help sort the laundry
- Set and clear the table
- Clean their bedroom
- Help with yard work
- Sweep the floors
Chores for Kids Ages 8-9
- Load dishwasher
- Vacuum
- Mop floors
- Take pets for a walk
Chores for Kids Ages 10+
- Unload dishwasher
- Do laundry
- Babysit younger kids
- Clean the kitchen
- Change bed sheets
- Wash the car
How Many Chores Should I Give My Child?
How many chores you give your child is going to vary based on a lot of factors, like how many children you have and how busy your child is outside of the home. For example, if your child does a lot of extracurricular activities, it might make sense to give them fewer chores than a sibling that doesn't have any extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities should not, however, completely excuse a child from chores. Children should learn that tasks around the home are important.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that your child deserves time to relax and have fun. While chores are an important part of their development, they should never take up a majority of or all of a child's time at home. Start with a couple of chores, and then add more over time as needed.
Conclusion
As you can see, a printable chore chart can do wonders for your household. Hold your kids responsible for their own chores and you will teach them lessons that they will take with them for years to come.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ilike/Shutterstock.com.