How to Give Your Child Household Responsibilities

Kids add to the household work -- all those extra shoes, toys and messes won't clean themselves up. But getting your child to take on housework isn't always easy. Assigning specific chores gives your child direction so he knows exactly what you expect. Chores teach life skills, values and a sense of value within the family structure. Giving your child age-appropriate tasks ensures the household duties are covered -- and you won't be the one doing all the work.

Things You'll Need

  • Chore chart

Instructions

    • 1

      Write a list of personal chores for your child. Include tasks that involve cleaning up after herself or caring for her belongings. Examples include making her bed, cleaning up her room, picking up her belongings in common areas and keeping her homework organized. These are tasks your child is always responsible for completing.

    • 2

      Brainstorm additional chores that benefit the entire family. This includes tasks such as washing dishes, sorting laundry, cooking meals, feeding pets, collecting the mail, emptying the trash and cleaning up the yard. These are extra responsibilities you assign as desired. Include them on his permanent chore list, rotate the duties or offer them as "extra credit."

    • 3

      Create a chart that shows the specific chores your child needs to do. Indicate the frequency of each task on the chart. For example, picking up the common areas happens every day, while putting away clean laundry may only happen once or twice per week. This structure ensures that your child completes the chores in a timely manner.

    • 4

      Teach your child how to do each household task. Sorting laundry or washing dishes is easy for you, but you've had years of practice. Showing your child how to do the chores properly and supervising her as she learns helps her do the tasks the way you want. You also reduce your child's frustration in doing chores if you help her master the skills.

    • 5

      Monitor your child's chore time. If the tasks seem too difficult or time-consuming, try modifying your expectations. You might cut back on the number of chores or reduce the workload. For example, instead of asking your child to sort all of the laundry, have him only sort his laundry.

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