Children and chores

pinkshoes

My 2 year old dusts when I clean. He sets the table, tidys up his toys etc...

They're not 'chores'! It's just part of family routine that everyone needs to help with.

Dreaming_always

I think doing chores is good or just even taking responsibility, ever since my oldest was about 2/3 when she used to get home she would literally strip off and dump her things on the floor, even now from school, she has to put her school shoes in a specific spot so that the next morning we know exactly where they are, same with her school coat and book bag.

My youngest one for the time being is my little side kick wherever I go she goes, so if I'm washing up she sits on the counter with me and watches and plays with the bubbles, if I'm putting clothes in the washing machine she helps me.

My friend is arguing that I am expecting too much of them, that kids should be kids. But her children are 2 and 3 and yet to cause true destruction yet lol.

I also don't pay my oldest to do her chores, I don't see why I should but if she has exceptionally been good or tidied up without me asking she will get some money put in her box.

OrkneyStar

meritaten wrote: »

I don't think you are asking too much! if someone wants to act as cleaning service for their kids - that's up to them - personally I think you are doing it right!

Ditto, DS aged 5.5 has helped since he was able to. Hit and miss about how much actual help he was at first but it sets the scene for what is expected. He does it now without too much moaning....we'll see when he hit's his teens! Right now he is putting laundry in a basket and I am off to make his packed lunch/brekkie!

BitterAndTwisted

I don't believe in paying kids for doing chores. That means if they don't care about the money they can think they can go on strike.

Living in a family means everyone has some responsibility for everyone else's comfort. Even if that just means no-one else has to break their necks falling over discarded toys or shoes dropped where they're taken off.

Parents who don't expect their kids to take any part in keeping a home tidy or the preparation/serving/clearing up after meals are making a rod for their own backs. I don't see any reason why a parent should be an unpaid or unappreciated skivvy. It's all about caring for each other and mutual cooperation. That's not a bad lesson to be teaching young people.

bestpud

I think you are right, OP.

Doing it for them is the easier option but it's not the best one for the child.

Parents often talk about how caring they are and they do all these things because they love their children.

In my opinion, the reality is they don't want the hassle of the children doing chores and/or the stand offs that can occur. They are taking the easy, lazy parenting option.

It has to be age appropriate, obviously, but your routine sounds fine to me, so stick to your guns and ignore your friend.

chrisv24

I don't see an issue with that at all. It's a great way to prepare them for life in the future.

My mum did everything for me when I was growing up and it was a real shock when I went to uni as I had never cooked or even seen a washing machine.

Mojisola

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

I don't believe in paying kids for doing chores. That means if they don't care about the money they can think they can go on strike.

Living in a family means everyone has some responsibility for everyone else's comfort. Even if that just means no-one else has to break their necks falling over discarded toys or shoes dropped where they're taken off.

Parents who don't expect their kids to take any part in keeping a home tidy or the preparation/serving/clearing up after meals are making a rod for their own backs. I don't see any reason why a parent should be an unpaid or unappreciated skivvy. It's all about caring for each other and mutual cooperation. That's not a bad lesson to be teaching young people.

This was our take on it too. Children are part of a family and should be doing whatever chores are appropriate for their age.

I always kept pocket money and chores separate as well.

victory

I think you are doing just fine. It's good to teach them to care about their living space, it's worse if they are taught that when they make a mess some cleaning fairy comes along and does it all for them:D

peachyprice

I really don't consider teaching children to put litter in the bin and dirty washing in the basket as being household chores. Surely it's common sense, you don't just leave litter lying around for someone else to pick up?

Do your friends children really do diddly squat for themselves?

System

Your friend is making a rod for her own back.