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Now that you’ve established an allowance for your little darling, you may consider developing a list of chores for your child.
Experts differ on whether an allowance should be given as a reward for chores or if an allowance is a separate thing because chores are just part of the responsibility of being in a family. Whichever way your philosophy falls, now is a good time to consider drawing up a list of chores for your child, if only to start teaching the idea of shared responsibility. You might find yourself re-doing some work and spending more time than you’re supposed to be saving by “out-sourcing” your work to your child.
Many experts say that chores are good for kids for several reasons:
- Chores teach independence.
- Chores build self-esteem by teaching kids the value of helping.
- Chores teach kids that sometimes you have do things you don’t want to do.
Here are some things that might go on that chore list:
- Making their beds
- Helping empty the dishwasher
- Folding towels
- Helping wash the car
- Helping wash patio furniture
- Setting or clearing the table
- Simple dusting
- Retrieving the mail
- Helping carry and put away groceries
- Helping rake the yard
- Watering plants
- Sorting socks
- Emptying wastebaskets
- Feeding dog, cat, or fish
- Sweeping the kitchen or porch
- Practicing piano or other musical instrument
Make sure you monitor how great your child’s workload is. Don’t pile on too much extra work if he or she is already over-scheduled on activities.
GreatDad is partnering with ActiveAllowance.com to provide free chore charts for GreatDad readers.
Most kids will be glad to help you with some of the stuff such as helping you get the mail, it makes them feel like a bigger kid. They feel trusted to do some of the things that are done by older people.
I would disagree with practicing a musical instrument as a chore. I play music on the guitar and drums, and I don’t see it as a chore. I was forced to practice piano as a child and I hated it! I learned drums instead because they were the opposite of the elegant and melodic piano. They were rebellious and loud, with primal bashing! Perfect.
So be careful of forcing your child to practice music. They may be turned off from it completely. Studies have shown that children who play musical instruments also do better in school than those who don’t. So encourage them, but you shouldn’t force them. Maybe they want to learn the tuba, just bring your ear plugs.