When Kids Start Learning Domestic Arts? Earlier Than You Want.

I've had people ask at what ages my kids started participating in some of these domestic-arts skills. My short answer is this: earlier than you want. I know that is an oversimplification, but truly, if your child is old enough to easily perform a task, then they should be introduced to it earlier so they have time to practice said skill.  Yes, this may provide more frustration for you as a parent, but it will pay off in time. You may want to limit the extent and duration of the chore at a young age, but overall, our kids are much more capable of work than we generally think.

Now for the long answer:

Toddler:

Put away toys

Place dirty laundry in hamper

Token “play” cleaning: little toddlers love to mimic – so use this their future advantage. Toy

vacuum cleaners, little dust cloths, etc. Let them actively-watch you while you clean, and while

you have these 'little friends' around all the time, talk to them about how you clean and how you do your domestic work. It may seem like useless chatter for you, but it will help them be more

comfortable and excited for what they will be able to do as they grow up.

Preschooler:

Fold laundry and help put away with help

Clean low surfaces, such as wiping down dining chairs, piano keyboards, doorknobs, wiping the

outside of dishwashers, dryers, etc.

Low dusting – low bookshelves, coffee tables, etc.

Can start to clean some bathroom surfaces with a stool – wiping down counter or cleaning sink

with help

Supervised cleaning of the car – wiping down armrests, emptying car's garbage

Replacing plastic sacks or liners in house garbage cans (bedroom and bathroom garbages)

Helping set the table

Helping unload the dishwasher, such as putting away plastic kid cups or silverware

Tidying room

Cleaning baseboards

Help with light yardwork (picking up dead-headed flowers, leaves, etc)

Make bed

School Age:

Emptying all house garbages

Dusting

Vacuuming by the time my daughter was in 1^st grade she was vacuuming. I carried the vacuum up and down stairs

Dusting window blinds and wiping down window sills

Dishes – by about 1^st grade my kids started taking turns loading and unloading the dishwasher

Setting the table

Bringing down dirty laundry, folding and putting away clean laundry

Change and replace bedsheets

Cleaning all parts of a bathroom

Sweep and mop

Sweep outdoors – deck, garage, front walk, etc.

Clean car - inside and out

Regular weeding assignments

Participate in deep or spring cleaning

Mow lawn at 10 or 11 – depending on child's size and strength and supervision

Clean up after pets – cat litter box, pooper-scoop after dogs

Start cooking weekly meals at age 8 (more of this later).

This is a brief overview, but hopefully it gives you a starting point for deciding when to start what chores with your kids.