10 TIPS for Giving Kids Responsibilities Around the House

By Mary Heffernan

Five Marys Farms

In our suburban life, I didn’t expect much of the girls. We filled their sippy cups and made their snacks for them. I set out projects or created activities for them to do to keep them occupied and entertained. Their laundry was usually picked up off the floor for them, washed, folded, and put back in their closets. Of course they were expected to pick up their toys and clear their plates, and do some easy tasks to help occasionally, but they didn’t really help with anything substantial or learn to do things on their own.

I think people innately want to care for their children’s every need and express their love by being caretakers. I did too. But I was robbing them of the opportunity to learn how to do these things for themselves and experiencing the satisfaction that comes with being self-sufficient and independent. I love the quote by Stephen Hawking:

I didn’t have time! I quickly realized (only when they HAD to step up to the plate) that my kids could actually do all of these things themselves!

If you are looking to change things up, or just need a few ideas to use in your own home, here are my 10 tips for you to try out. Take what you like and leave what you don’t… I hope this helps!

Give Them Ownership 1

When my girls would do a chore well a couple of times, I tried to give them praise that it was ‘their chore’ because they did it so well. I found this made them more eager to do it again. I remember one time when JJ was younger, she folded all of the kitchen towels out of the dryer and put them in the kitchen basket. She was so proud! The next time I said, “Oh, JJ we have kitchen towels to fold - you are so good at doing those!” and she jumped on it!

Some easy chores I’ve found for kids to take ownership of:

✓ Wash the dishes

✓ Set the table

I truly believe that!

When we moved to the ranch, everything changed. By necessity, I couldn’t cater to their every need…

✓ Take out the garbage,

✓ Sweep under the table

✓ Sanitize the countertops

✓ Put away a load of clean laundry

✓ Clean a new load of laundry