Teaching Kids Responsibility

By Catherine Rondina

As the New Year begins it affords us the opportunity to start fresh with ideas and activities we hope will improve our lives. The same type of planning and stargazing works for children too, and what better ideals to instill, than those of responsibility. Experts agree that children who are taught to be responsible through chores or tasks, learn to meet goals and deadlines, are better able to problem solve and learn to handle stress. So to start the New Year off right try these age appropriate lists of chores to help your child learn the importance of being responsible.

Ages 2-3

• Load/unload spoons from the dishwasher.
• Put garage in the garbage can.
• Wash and dry hands.

Ages 3-4

• Give food and water to family pet.
• Set table with napkins, plates, silverware.
• Lend a hand loading the dryer.

Ages 4-5

• Dress themselves.
• Make their own bed.
• Put away own toys, books and games.

Ages 5-6

• Pour own glass of milk.
• Help clear dinner table.
• Order own meal, while dining out.

Ages 6-7

• Take out the garbage.
• Load dishes into the dishwasher.
• Rake the leaves, shovel the snow.

Ages 7-8

• Dust around the house.
• Conduct own bath routine.
• Pack own lunch for school.

Ages 8-9

• Vacuum around the house.
• Wash the dog.
• Prepare clothing for next school day.

Ages 9-10

• Begin simple cooking chores.
• Clean out sinks and tubs.
• Read to young siblings.

Ages 10-11

• Stay on their own after school and cut the grass.
• Dog walking for a neighbour.

Ages 11-12

• Baby-sit for relatives or neighbours.
• Volunteer in the community.
• Do a load of laundry.

Parents' List of Duties

• Remember that each child is different, even siblings differ in capabilities. What one child can accomplish at age 6 may not be attainable for another until age 8. Use your one judgment when selecting chores. You know what your child is capable of.
• Draw up a weekly list of chores for your child to follow. Display it in the kitchen, where he can easily refer to it and check off the task he has completed.
• Don't feel guilty about making your child perform these chores. Setting these ground rules is for her own good and yours. You'll see that helping around the house will give her a sense of helping the family in her own little way.
• Try to make the responsibilities reflect a positive lesson. If your child's task is to feed the cat each morning, discuss the fact that the cat would be very hungry if someone forgot to feed him.
• Involve the kids in the decision making when it comes to selecting chores. If given some choice, a child will more likely be responsive to the task.
• Set clear, defined rules for the chores. Decide what the chore is, how to complete it and how long it should take. This way your child has a definite idea of what you expect and what he knows he is capable of completing.