Kids and Chores

Single moms need all the help we can get; including help from our children.  When we ask our kids to help in the house, it doesn’t mean that we are enslaving them.  Asking kids to help at home is an avenue to teach them the values of cleanliness and orderliness.  Asking kids to do chores will help them become responsible adults.  Doing chores with our kids will strengthen our bond with them.

Here are some of the chores that your kids even the small ones can do:

Dusting.  Give them a piece of cloth (rag) or a feather duster.  Show them how to dust the furniture and other stuff at home.

Cleaning Windows. Your little ones can help clean windows with damped cloth.  You can save re-painting your home if you ask your kids to wipe clean the walls and doors.

Dishwashing.  You can do the washing and they can wipe the dishes.  Do not entrust this task to small kids as they might hurt themselves with sharp utensils or break your dishes. 

Folding Laundry. Teach them how to fold laundry and help you store them in the proper drawers. Your little one will love to play matching socks.  You can teach your teenager how to operate the washing machine.

Sweeping the floor and yard.  This chore can be done by your little one while your teenager can manage the floor polisher.

Watering the plants.  This is definitely for your little ones as they would love to be out and play with water.

Cooking.  This chore is more for your grown up kids.  They can help you cook by slicing vegetables, onions or anything you would need.  You can teach them to cook basic meals.

Setting the dinner table.  This is a chore for your little ones.  Ask them to arrange the placemats, forks and spoons.  

Asking your kids (especially the young ones) to do house chores can be fun for them. Talk, sing, dance as you do your chores so that your kids will enjoy it and look forward to helping you. Tell them that their help goes a long way because mom can have some time to rest.  Commend their diligence and their being industrious.  Praise them for being responsible even at a young age.  Teaching your kids to do chores at home will make them feel useful and grown upJ.

It is best to start them young because they would be more likely to continue helping you when they are older.  Teaching kids to do chores is just one of the ways of good parenting. The simple act of house cleaning will teach them important values such as orderliness and cleanliness.  They will learn to be responsible.  They will be learn to manage their time for studies, play and house chores. They will learn to plan their activities.