I am debating on when I should start my son with REAL chores.
My son (4) cleans up his room, makes his bed, puts his dishes in the sink, and helps pick up the house when it needs it, but he doesn't have any real set chores.
If any, what do chores you think are age appropriate for him? Also, should he get compensation (allowance) for helping and doing a good job???
Thank you Ladies!!!
"Everything will be OK in the end. If EVERYTHING is not OK, it is not the end"
My kids count what you
My kids count what you listed as "real" and that is about all we asked of them at 4 (but they needed reminding, if your son is doing it on his own, you're sittin' pretty!) , and we didn't give allowance until they were 6, and then it wasn't very much, or might be a trip to Chuck E Cheese's instead of $$$. That's been our experience.
Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.
I like your list. My 5 year
I like your list. My 5 year old is in charge of emptying the waste baskets in the bathrooms before the trash is picked up every week. For this and lots of other things you mentioned she gets $1.00. If I empty the waste baskets, she gets nothing.
KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.
I think what you're doing at
I think what you're doing at 4 is perfect. If you clean your own house, try adding an occassional chore your son can do with you like dusting or wiping down a counter top. My son also loved to fold laundtry at that age - washclothes and easy stuff.
We didn't start allowance until age 6. And we make it clear to our son that some chores are required as a member of the family. Other chores earn him an allowance.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.
I believe that children
I believe that children should help around the house - just like the chores your son is already doing - because they're a part of a family, not because they'll be compensated and especially at his age. Let him help as much as he would like - my son loves taking out the recycling - and you'll set habits for life.
The only thing my son really
The only thing my son really doesn't like doing is making his bed. I mean, he pretty much helps with everything when I'm cleaning up. He even wants to help with dishes!! (Even though I like to use the dishwasher ;-) )
It's nice to know that I'm not pushing him too much to help. And it's really nice to know that I really have no use in paying him to help until he's older!
"Everything will be OK in the end. If EVERYTHING is not OK, it is not the end"