In this present day it may seem difficult to raise responsible children. Without responsibility children may grow up wanting everything handed to them. Even at a young age children should be given a few responsibilities around the house. This not only gets them in the habit of helping around the house but can also boost their esteem and self-worth knowing that, even though young, they also have the ability to feel useful.
Children as young as one can help pick up their toys. If a child is able to walk around and pick things up then they can just as easily put things away. You can teach them this easy chore by simply explaining to them in a happy voice that it's time to pick up their toys. You can even sing a little "clean-up" song to encourage them to help clean up. A young child may not always pick up as you may like them to. For example, you may want them to put certain toys away in certain areas. Though if a one year old can at least put all toys that have piled up in one big basket, that may be easier for them to do while still allowing them to feel useful.
As a child grows older it is easier to add more chores once they know they have responsibility in the home. A three year old can easily learn to make their bed, even if it's just pulling the sheet and blanket up and putting the pillow in the right place. Helping to put their own clean laundry away is another easy task kids can help with. Putting their own pants away in their dresser is one example. You can also make sure they put their own dirty clothes in a hamper instead of you having to do that chore for them. As children grow older have them help you with jobs around the house like washing dishes, dusting furniture, and vacuuming. Then when your child gets to the age they can do it alone they will already have learned how to do it.
Children should be given responsibilities around the house. Starting them at a young age, when kids think of cleaning as more of a game than a chore, makes it easier to get them in the habit of cleaning. If children are never given any responsibility they can easily grow up expecting things to be done for them. When children expect things to be handed to them it does not help them in the long run. Work is good for kids, some may think giving work for a child to do is harmful to them, this is not true. Children thrive when they feel they are a useful part of the family. Giving kids age-appropriate chores is not harmful, it is only helpful to them as they grow into well-rounded teens and adults.
Julianne Smith is a stay-at-home mom of two toddlers, with her third child due in May. She's created her own website called "Your Heart And Home", this website includes recipes, ideas, inspiration, and of course shopping! You can find Stuff A Friend animal stuffing kits for your kids. Also Patty's Pretty Paper for notecards, notepads, and stationary you can have personalized. Gift Can Builder is on her site too. This is a fun gift idea where you can choose the gift can from a large selection of themes, then choose from our large selection of fillers to make this gift truly unique. Come visit "Your Heart And Home" today!
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