Children's duties at home are not an obligation, They are a necessity that must be done from when children are very young. As soon as children are about two years old, they should start doing housework that is commensurate with their ability to do it. For this to be positive, it is necessary for parents to do their part as well.
Sometimes children may have a hard time doing homework, it is absolutely normal! Parents must be patient and teach their children to perform the task according to their age so that little by little they improve it. But Even if they do things wrong, they must not be done for them, they must be taught to do them well.
Children's homework
Sometimes parents, aware of the need to give responsibility to the child, are hampered by knowing what to do and what to expect. The following list is intended to meet this need.
The list is cumulative. As the child progresses in age or grade, he can continue to maintain past responsibilities and take on new ones. Sometimes a child no longer finds it fun to complete a task once it is no longer a new challenge. Chores that are the child's personal responsibility, such as making the bed, doing the laundry, and tidying his room, should no longer be done for him. Tasks that help the whole family can be rotated, or a selection of tasks can be given. The list, intended to suggest possibilities, is only a starting point subject to the situation and creativity of the adult observing the child.
In training for these responsibilities, it may be wiser to proceed gradually. First, it establishes or strengthens the relationship, and then through friendly conversations, the adult and the child together can determine how the child can become a contributing member of the family. Before assigning homework, it would be helpful to keep the following principles in mind:
- Children have rights and responsibilities. Without these rights, in addition to being arbitrarily and impulsively withdrawn by the adult, the child may feel dominated or vindictive and will resist any effort to obtain their cooperation.
- Children should be consulted about the jobs to be done. After they have helped identify the work, they help set the standards for the work and engage in evaluating the completed work.
- Let the children choose what tasks they would like to do. Doing nothing is NOT an acceptable option. They continue with the choice or accept the consequences.
- Allow consequences to follow logically from incomplete work. Don't talk ahead of time about what will happen if someone doesn't keep the commitment.
- Set appropriate time limits for completing a task. If the child participates in setting these limits, he will be more willing to adhere to them. You can ask, "How much time do you need?" Using a kitchen timer helps. Some timers can be clipped to a child's pocket.
- Vary tasks. Children easily get bored with the same tasks. They like new challenges.
- Children like to move on to more challenging work; new privileges that they can take on now that they are bigger / stronger / smarter.
- Use common sense in the amount of homework expected of each child. You may become unmotivated and do nothing if you feel like you have to do too much.
- Remember that you are the model of "order." Do not expect order and cleanliness from children that you do not expect from yourself.
- Examine your personal standards. Perhaps you are a perfectionist, you feel uncomfortable if things are a little out of place or you worry about what others think. Learn to accept the home as a place of activity for family members, not as a reflection of your personal worth.
- Probably the most difficult: never do for the child what he can do for himself.
Household Responsibilities for Children
Household Responsibilities for Ages 18 Months to 2 XNUMX/XNUMX Years
- Store toys with help.
- Fulfill simple requests like "Could you throw this away?" Or "Please save this" (adults point to location).
- Participates (imperfectly) in household chores that interest him, usually not yet completed homework. You can try sweeping, cleaning the table, setting the table, vacuuming, etc.
- Increasingly involved in dressing (adult provides easy-to-handle clothing). Undressing comes before getting dressed.
- Load the washer and dryer, press the start button.
- He feeds independently although he needs help.
- Participate in the preparation of simple foods
Household Responsibilities for the 2-XNUMX / XNUMX Year Old
- Collect the toys as finished and put them in the appropriate place (the adult provides low shelves and containers for each item).
- Put books and magazines on a shelf.
- Sweep the floor or sidewalk with a small broom, use a dustpan with assistance.
- Placing napkins, plates and cutlery on the table (not correctly at first).
- Clean up what you drop after eating. Clean up spills.
- Choose your snack or breakfast from two or three options.
- Help wash the dishes.
- Use the bathroom and wash with help.
- Dress with help.
Household Responsibilities for 3- and 4-Year-Olds
- Set the table.
- Save food.
- Help with the shopping list.
- Follow a schedule for feeding pets.
- Help with yard and garden work.
- Sweep.
- Make your bed with help.
- Learn simple recipes.
- Share toys and then put them away.
- Play without constant adult supervision.
- Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when completing tasks on a task board.
Household Responsibilities for 5- and 6-Year-Olds
- Help with meal planning and grocery shopping.
- Help prepare lunch to bring to school.
- Set the table.
- Help in the kitchen.
- Get involved in more challenging food preparation, including baking and cooking, with help.
- Make the bed and straighten the room.
- Choose clothes the night before, get dressed without help.
- Maintain good personal hygiene.
- Fold the clothes and put them away.
- Talk on the phone and answer correctly.
- Take care of pets.
- Keep your bedroom neat and clean.
- He is able to help in the care of younger siblings.
- In busy times it can help.
Household Responsibilities for Ages 6-12
- All of the above with a growing challenge.
- Prepare a simple meal independently.
- Take care of your own belongings.
- Organize belongings.
- Start money management
- Increased consideration for others, appropriate manners.