Spring Cleaning with the Kids
By Mona Moore

Spring means Spring Cleaning! How can you get the kids involved? Well, we've come up with a list of chores kids as young as 1 can do!! We've listed those suggestions below for your information.

Now some of you might be thinking, "Why in the WORLD would I want to give my 1 or 2 year old a chore? It will take them 4 times as long to do it! I would just rather do it myself!" Well, although I can relate, I've found out that giving your children chores could actually be very important to their future success. A University of Minnesota study shows that young adults who participated in chores since they were 3 or 4 were more successful as adults that those that didn't!

If you think about it, it really makes sense. Family chores provide children with a sense of purpose and pride. Children feel a valued part of the family. The feel needed. Chores can also help teach time management skills. Children need to prioritize and organize their tasks in order to complete them effectively. Chores instill discipline in children. And finally, they learn responsibility. All these skills are necessary in becoming a successful adult!

So, even though it may take a little longer with Junior's help, be sure to involve him in your weekly chores. And, don't feel guilty about giving your kids chores. In the long run, you are really providing them with skills they need to succeed in whatever they do in the future!

Some great resources to find out more information:

Dads, Give Them Household Chores
Chores and What They Mean to Your Childl
Importance of Family Contribution
Chores and Children
Kids Chores Teach Responsibility, Family Involvement
Win the War on Chores!

Age Appropriate Chores

9 - 24 months

• Putting dirty clothes in hamper.
• Cleaning with mom (give child a dust rag, child size broom, empty spray can/windex bottle for "pretend" cleaning).
• Watering plants (with pre-measured amounts!).

2 - 3 years

• Laundry (beginning to help with sorting by mom handing him things to put in appropriate piles, transferring clothes from dryer to basket, etc.).
• Put books and magazines in a rack.
• Place napkins, plates, and silverware on the table.

3 -4 years

• Making bed (begins with watching mom -- mom helping child -- mom watching child) standards must be clear and reminders frequent.
• Empty trash cans
• Helping wash the car.

4 - 5 years

• Sorting laundry (with supervision); start learning to fold and put laundry away.
• Vacuuming/sweeping.
• Setting the table.

5 - 6 years

• Make bed and clean room.
• Polishing furniture, cleaning mirrors and windows
• Help clean out the car.

6 - 7 years

• Water plants and flowers.
• Rake leaves and weed.
• Sweep and wash patio area.

8 - 10 years

• Help with defrosting and cleaning the refrigerator.
• More difficult cleaning projects (scrubbing kitchen floor, windows, cleaning appliances).
• Beginning car maintenance (helping dad with minor repairs, learning tool usage, washing/waxing).

11 - 12 years

• Clean pool and pool area.
• Mow lawn with supervision.
• Check and add oil to car under supervision.

13 - 15 years

• Responsibility for planning and preparing family meals.
• Cleaning out closets.
• Keeping room clean.