Bring On The Chores!

Understanding that child labor is frowned upon, I wanted to better understand what chores were considered age appropriate for my sons. Our home has endured the hurricane force messes my boys have made, and it only seems fair that they participate in cleaning it. After searching the internet this is what I found:



2-4 Year Olds

• help dust
• put napkins on table
• help put away toys
• put laundry in hamper
• help feed pet

4-7 Year Olds

• Set the table or help set the table
• put away toys/things
• help feed pets
• water plants
• help set table
• help make bed
• dust
• put laundry in hamper
• help put dishes in dishwasher
• water the garden
• help wipe up messes
• help with yard work (rake with child's rake or plant flowers, etc.)
• help clear table

Not quite what I hoped for. I pictured my oldest boys wearing aprons and carrying feather dusters cleaning the house with the same speed and enthusiasm they mess it up. According to the chart, that would not be happening. Chores would be nothing like free maid service. In fact, it seems as if parental supervision is required.

I decided to see exactly what the boys were capable of, and asked them to clean the Living Room. To my surprise they agreed without much protest. 15 minutes later, a very excited Journey and Justice (my big boys) asked me to look at the living room. Emerging from my upstairs bedroom, I was amazed to find a very clean living room. My Tasmanian Devils managed to make the living room presentable in a very short period of time.

I hugged them both and praised them for a job well done.

I was then asked, “How much money do we get for cleaning the living room?”

I responded, “Nothing. You live here, you’re supposed to clean up”.

My oldest son (a budding capitalist), at the tender age of 6 replied, “Mom, no one works for free!”

So much for free labor.