Chores.  The majority of us had to do them.  But, is there any value to chores?  Do they help a child learn about life while growing up in the safety of the home?  There have been several studies concerning this topic.  One found that though 82 percent of adults “regularly did chores as children, including cleaning, cooking, laundry and dishes…just 28 percent ask the same of their own kids,” according to a study commissioned by Whirlpool, reports the Chicago Tribune.  And while this might not surprise some people the question remains of is there value to it?  And the answer, according to Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s research, the answer to that question is an emphatic YES!  She sited several sources that say giving children household chores at an early age helps to build a lasting sense of mastery, responsibility and self-reliance.  One source was Marty Rossmann, a professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota. In 2002, Dr. Rossmann analyzed data from a longitudinal study that followed 84 children across four periods in their lives—in preschool, around ages 10 and 15, and in their mid-20s. She found that young adults who began chores at ages 3 and 4 were more likely to have good relationships with family and friends, to achieve academic and early career success and to be self-sufficient, as compared with those who didn’t have chores or who started them as teens.

This is all well and good but, how do we get kids to do their chores?  Moneysavingmom.com has several tips:

  1. Start Small
  2. Be Patient
  3. Teach By Example
  4. Make It Fun
  5. Find The Good And Praise It
  6. Reward Ideas

So, what are some age-appropriate chores that you can give to your children?  Luckily, kidsactivitiesblog.com has a list for you:

Toddler (Ages 2-3)

  • Pick Up Toys (show them how)
  • Bring plate and cup to the sink after a meal
  • Straighten covers on the bed
  • Put dirty clothes into the hamper
  • Wipe up spills

Preschooler (Ages 4-5)

  • All Toddler jobs
  • Make the bed
  • Help put clothes in washing machine/dryer
  • Help put clothes away
  • Take out recycling
  • Load dishes into dishwasher
  • Dust
  • Feed animals
  • Water flowers

Elementary (Ages 6-8)

  • All Preschool & Toddler Jobs
  • Set table
  • Wash dishes in sink
  • Put clean clothes away on own
  • Collect garbage around the house
  • Sweep
  • Vacuum
  • Get mail
  • Rake leaves
  • Put away groceries
  • Wash car

Older Elementary (Ages 9-11)

  • All Toddler, Preschool, & Elementary Jobs
  • Help in meal preparation
  • Clean toilets
  • Clean bathroom sinks, counters, mirrors
  • Walk dogs
  • Take garbage cans to curb
  • Mow lawn
  • Clean animal cages
  • Shovel snow
  • Help make/pack lunch
  • Change sheets on bed

Middle School (Ages 12-14)

  • All above chores
  • Clean showers/tub
  • Wash/Dry clothes
  • Mop floors
  • Gardening/Yard work
  • Help supervise younger children

So, now that you’ve got some ideas about chores in respect to children, give some of these a try to see what works for you.