kids and chores

[ethanryan]

hi after posting my thread fun ideas for rainy day, i was given the idea to let the kids join in and help with the house work to keep them busy. just wondered what age you all started getting the kids to do small jobs around the house for you on like a rota or something do you agreee with parents that give there kids jobs to do?

[newtron]

Our three yr old and 18 month old straighten up their bedroom and play room every evening before they go to bed. I think the earlier the better. They actually enjoy helping you out when they are very young. This can only be a good thing and reinforce good habits as they get older.

[ethanryan]

what sort of jobs would you ask a 7 year old to do?

[~max~]

A seven year old should be able to sweep, help folding the washing, keep their room tidy, make their beds...Small chores a few times a week will put them in the habit of helping out. I used to do the washing up at that age too, although my mum removed knives and heavy dishes beforehand.

[aims1202]

I have involved my son in jobs right from the start, he started hoovering for at 8 mths when crawling, he loved the hoover! he could put the washing in machine, put in powder and start it by 20mths. Now he's five and he hoovers his room, takes his plate into kitchen, waters plants and occasionally does some washing up. he loves it (most of the time!) he thinks its normal for everyone to help around the house and i am hoping this means he'll always do it!
I would say a seven year old could do washing up, hoovering, help with cooking, hanging clothes on line and sorting out clean clothes, they usually love it still at that age. my friends girl who is seven does my washing up for me because she wants to!