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My neighbor and I were talking, her kids have no responsinilites around the house...they range in age from 1 year to 9 years (4 kids)...I have 2 DD-6 and DS-4.... I posted this here, b/c in her conversation she mentioned her kids responsibility is school.period. DD is going into 1st grade this year, but I don't feel feedingthe cat, making sure her bed is made, and clearing her plates after meals are going to interfere with it. My 4 year old feeds the dog, and clears his plate after meals (he tries).
I don't think it's asking too much, and I want them to learn to pitch in around the house (I'm not having them repair the roof or anything).
Do your kids have 'responsibilites' around your homes? Or am I the slave driver mom of the street?
Edited to add...I'm referring to the school age (or even pre-school) kids...obviously not the1 year old I mentioned above
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Check out the chores thread from earlier!!! My kids ALL help..including my 2 year old. She knows what "put your shoes in the closet" means...or "can you put the forks on the table?"!! My 3 1/2 year old and 5 year old are the same way..they each have chores to do at their individual levels..ones they can can succeed at doing, and learn to be responsible, too. Why not teach them young about responsibility and being part of a FAMILY?! Doing something to help out Mommy, even if they don't really want to do it at the time, gives them a sense of accomplishment..something to be proud of. I agree with you on this one...I don't see how you having your kids do that stuff makes one dent in their school "career"!!
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My older 2 are 5 and 3 next month, and they have to make sure they put their clothes in the hamper, set and clear dishes, help unload the dishwasher, take out dirty diapers, my older one gets the paper, pulls the trash cans back aroud the house on trash day, brings recycle stuff to the bin and both pick up their toys and help make their beds. Some things you should have to do just because you are a member of the household. I agree their job is school, but if they can do extracurricular activities, they can make their bed and set the table. Chores teach responsibility and makes the kids a little more aware of what it takes to make the house run. If the kids have moms that do EVERYTHING for them, the kids usually take total advantage and they are not taught a thing about what life is really like. I've seen first hand what happens in a situation like that. They go to college and have no clue how to do anything, it's very sad.
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my kids started chores/responsibility as soon as they were able. I do believe around 18months. they pick up toys. put away newspaper. as they got older so did the tasks. now, the older two,8 and 6, fold their own clothes, put them away, keep room clean, pick up after their own meals, keep the playroom clean, clean mud room. they earn money by doing anything beyond this. usually helping wash laundry,sweeping. forgot to add they like to dust also. the youngest,3, puts away newspaper, picks up toys, helps set table, unload dishwasher, she also helps sorts clean clothes.
I know LOTS of people who don't have kids do chores. I also think most if not all of those kids "expect" their parents to do things for them. a friend of my girls will get in the car and just sit there. my girls can get themselves in and out of car seats belts. she expects her mom to do everything for her. I always make my kids try first, even if I know they will not be able to.
allgirls
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This is timely, I have just updated our chore expectation here at home - and implemented today. I was thinking my kids were not doing nearly enough, especially compared to what was expected of me at a similiar age. (my boys are 8) Jennifer (blessed w/ 6) graciously sent me her chore list and I was truly inspired (not sure my kids will be thanking you, Jennifer)
I agree with the fact that as members of our family you have responsibilities. I would not be doing my DSs any great service if I "teach" them to be lazy leeches. Yeah, sure they have school responsibilities, but so did I - I just didn't have all the distractions (i.e. video games, cable TV,etc) to get in the way of doing all that I was expected to do. So I don't really buy that argument. I think we give our kids too much and expect too little.
I feel sorry for your neighbor - 1) she has 4 kids who do nothing and are no help to her and 2) she is going to be stuck with 4 adult children living at home because they were never taught responsibility.
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Thanks Ladies...After seeing all your responsibilties too, I don't feel bad at all. DD had been doing things for an allowance, but we both get sidetracked and it gets forgotten, in addition to her helping out I may implement the allowance again (For extra chores, above and beyond general helping ie; I will not pay my child to take their plate, clear it off and put it in the sink!)
Debbie, you're right about my neighbor, she does everything herself and can't keep up...He house always looks like a tornado just ran through it. And these kids are going to frow up and just wait for a woman to take care of them, b/c Mom did....Note to self in future...do not let DD date one of the boys
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My girls all have responsibilities. Summer it changes some since they are home more and don't have school work ~ but they do their share. Some of them that are shared by all 3 (ages 3,5,9) are setting the table, clearing the table & wiping, empty the dishwasher, fill the dishwasher, empty the trash, make their beds, and other duties assigned and apparent.