Choosing the Right Chores for Your Children

One of the many great things parents of small children have to look forward to as their tots grow older is the ability to put them to work around the house. Considering they make the majority of the messes, it only makes sense. But in addition, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Administration for Children & Families points out, it's an important part of a kid's acceptance and appreciation of personal responsibility and self-worth . Chores help build character in a kid, and can be issued out to children as young as two.

While sending your 10-year-old on an evening bike errand to remote self storage Olathe residents would even say is in the middle of nowhere is obviously a bad call, you may be underestimating your child's abilities to handle certain responsibilities. I went ahead and cross referenced the aforementioned Administration for Children & Families' endorsed list of age-appropriate chores for children with a similar breakdown available on WebMD, to provide you with a starting list you can feel confident with:

Ages 2-3
Put toys and other items away.

Ages 4-5
Help with light yard work, such as pulling weeds.

Ages 6-7
Clear the table after meals.

Ages 8-9
Mop the floor.

Ages 10 and older
Mow the lawn.

These only represent what two respectable online sources agreed on, and serve as base lines for what most children in certain age groups are capable of. But keep in mind that such lists are not absolute, no matter where they come from online. Chances are you've assigned one or two “high maturity” chores to your children who were too young, according to these and other sources, without any undesirable results. Don't hinder your kid's development by adhering too strongly to any particular authority - you are the ultimate judge of your child's capabilities and level of maturity.

With that said, do not ignore the potential for danger in seemingly safe situations when assigning chores to children. Faucets can get incredibly hot when hands aren't used to tempering the knobs, cleaning chemicals can cause irritation in those unfamiliar with how to avoid hazardous contact, and heavy things can fall on small people. Take the time to think through your chore assignments, then take advantage of the free labor while it lasts.