HOW TO INVOLVE YOUR CHILDREN INTO HOUSEHOLD TASKS

Here’s how you can rope your children into household tasks (and why it’s good for them)

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Toddler parents everywhere have two things in common: their little ones have suddenly become a lot more opinionated, and they’re almost always ready to help – even when involving them makes the task last much longer!

Hold on to their keenness to help and encourage it as they grow, say the parenting experts. As you and your child journey towards their increased independence, what factors should you keep in mind?
START EARLY
There is really no need to wait until your child is in high school or ready to leave home before familiarising them with daily household chores.

“Chores can and should start early,” writes Shelly Vaziri Flais, a US-based assistant professor of clinical paediatrics, in Psychology Today. “Begun in preschool years, sharing in the work of home chores becomes a lifelong habit and normalises teamwork in maintaining a home.”

You can start as soon as they begin showing interest, which could be as early as two years old. Of course, the ‘chore’ needs to be age-appropriate and will start off being a joint effort as your child learns from you.

For example, if you’re loading the washing machine, ask your little one to pass clothing items to you or place certain items into the machine. Make sure you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ so they know they are helping you out and that you appreciate their help.

GIVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS
Be careful of assuming your child understands exactly what you mean when you’ve given a seemingly simple instruction, like “Clean your room.”

This could mean many different things, depending how you look at it. So to avoid any miscommunication and feelings of frustration for either of you, express your expectations clearly and simply.

For bigger projects (like cleaning a bedroom), listing tasks – make bed, pick up toys, pack clean laundry away, sweep floor, for instance – helps keep little ones focused and on track.

BE PATIENT
One thing is guaranteed: the tasks performed by your child won’t be perfect. And this is okay and completely normal! Even when watching them struggle becomes frustrating, allow them the freedom to try, fail and then try to correct their mistake, before you step in to help. Allowing them to finish what they started, with or without help, gets them into the good life-skill habit of following a task through from beginning to end.

REWARD A JOB WELL DONE
Rewards don’t mean a new iPad! Using positive words and actions, like saying “Great job!” and giving them a high-five, will help your child feel acknowledged and motivate them.

There’s no need to wait until the task is completed, either. You could give them words of praise or encouragement as they go, so they find enjoyment throughout the duration of the task and not only when it ends.

SHOULD MONEY BE INVOLVED?
While younger kids won't see the value in receiving money for tasks, older children will. However, parenting experts say that monetary rewards should only be offered for additional chores done, not for those that are already on your child's to-do list, such as general cleaning or tidying up after themselves.
If there is a bigger task or ongoing project you'd like your child to take charge of, discuss it with them and offer them an appropriate amount of money once they're completed it. For example, ask your teen to go through the house or garage and set aside items that are no longer used by the family. This is something that could keep them busy for weeks and would save you a lot of time.

You could choose to extend their project by asking them to arrange a neighbourhood yard sale, for instance, where they could coordinate the sale of these items. This way you will earn some extra cash while helping them plan and execute a project under your supervision.

AGE-APPROPRIATE CHORES
Tasks will vary from child to child, depending on their age and readiness, but can include:

From 2‒3 years:
– Pack books and toys away
– Place clothing in the laundry basket
– Wipe up messes after mealtimes and playtime

From 4‒5 years:
– Tidy their bedroom and play areas

– Water plants
– Wash plastic cups/plates
– Empty small bins into a bigger one/refuse bag

From 6‒10 years:
– Vacuum carpets and sweep floors
– Sort dirty and clean laundry
– Pack away groceries
– Help pack lunchboxes
– Help prepare meals and cook simple foods
– Lay the dinner table

10 years and older:
– Wash the dishes or pack/unload dishwasher
– Fold laundry
– Wash windows
– Mop floors
– Clean kitchen and bathroom
– Make their bed and change their bedding
– Care for pets

By: Shani Tsai
Text courtesy of Man Magazine
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images