Many of us have an aversion to chores, and I can certainly relate. During my first year in college, I neglected to wash my sheets even once. It was a regrettable habit that left them a regrettable shade by the end of the year. A friend suggested I keep my record going, and I obliged, thinking, why not? Come summer, I tossed those sheets and promised myself to do better.
Fast forward to today, I’ve improved—somewhat. I still find household tasks like laundry and dishes tedious. However, I now make an effort to teach my kids the importance of helping around the house. For me, it’s about instilling responsibility while reducing my workload. As a busy parent, I welcome any help I can get, especially with my little one creating chaos at every turn. Here are eight chores you should definitely consider offloading onto your kids whenever possible:
- Swiffering: Wet Swiffering can be a fun way for kids to contribute. Not only does it keep the floor a bit cleaner, but it also allows you some time to scroll through your phone in another room—talk about multitasking!
- Sorting Toys for Donation: Encourage your children to donate toys by framing it as a way to make room for new ones. This can happen throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they can stuff bags with toys they no longer play with. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about generosity, as some children are less fortunate and have no toys at all.
- Cooking and Baking: While kids may not be able to take full control in the kitchen, allowing them to help with safe tasks like stirring and pouring can be a fun learning experience. Plus, you never know—one day they might surprise you by cooking dinner themselves!
- Sweeping: Children often love to sweep, even if their technique leaves something to be desired. While they may just be moving dirt around, at least it keeps them engaged, and the area looks somewhat tidier. It’s a win-win!
- Putting Away Clean Clothes: Your child likely knows where their clothes belong. Encouraging them to put away clean laundry can be a simple task. It may take some time, but it’s a skill worth developing. Just don’t be surprised if they come back to you for more wardrobe changes throughout the day.
- Dressing Themselves: Letting kids choose their outfits saves you from morning battles. Their fashion sense may be questionable, but allowing them to pick their clothes fosters independence and can eliminate some of your stress.
- “Washing the Dishes”: While their efforts may not result in spotless dishes, letting your kids “do the dishes” can free you up for other activities, like making dinner—or ordering in pizza. Just be prepared for a potential mess!
- Feeding the Baby: When the opportunity arises, let your older child take the reins during feeding time. It may not be a perfectly executed task, but it gives them a chance to help and feel involved.
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In summary, involving your children in household chores not only teaches them responsibility but also lightens your load. These tasks can be fun and educational, paving the way for a more manageable and cooperative home environment.
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