When Should Kids Start Doing Chores?
When Should Kids Start Doing Chores?
Crumply Napkins Are Okay
Your kids can help out even if they don't do a perfect job of it. I started doing my own laundry at twelve, and I can remember setting the table when I was as young as five years old. I used to hate having the responsibility of the table, but as I got older, I used it to my advantage (in my own passive-aggressive way). I used to slightly crumple the napkin of the person I was angry at, or give them the bent fork. No one ever seemed to notice. My mom was always pretty neurotic about the way things should be, but she never bothered me about the napkins. Your kids may not be crumpling napkins on purpose (I may be the only nutcase who did that), but they may not do a flawless job, and that's okay.
Start assigning very simple tasks at around two, such as helping you put his toys away, or putting potatoes in a pot (not with hot water!). That way, she can learn responsibility and how to be part of a team from a young age. When your child gets older (around 4) they can start to help set the table (spoons, napkins, nothing sharp!).
Don't forget, praise your child for a job well-done even if the napkins are a little crumply! The key is that they learn to help out, not that everything must be done to "t". Unless I've come to set your table, you don't have to worry about why the napkins are all wrinkly! So help your child become a responsible adult, and assign them easy to do (and safe) tasks to help you with.
By Kristen Docimo
Crumply Napkins Are Okay
Your kids can help out even if they don't do a perfect job of it. I started doing my own laundry at twelve, and I can remember setting the table when I was as young as five years old. I used to hate having the responsibility of the table, but as I got older, I used it to my advantage (in my own passive-aggressive way). I used to slightly crumple the napkin of the person I was angry at, or give them the bent fork. No one ever seemed to notice. My mom was always pretty neurotic about the way things should be, but she never bothered me about the napkins. Your kids may not be crumpling napkins on purpose (I may be the only nutcase who did that), but they may not do a flawless job, and that's okay.
Start assigning very simple tasks at around two, such as helping you put his toys away, or putting potatoes in a pot (not with hot water!). That way, she can learn responsibility and how to be part of a team from a young age. When your child gets older (around 4) they can start to help set the table (spoons, napkins, nothing sharp!).
Don't forget, praise your child for a job well-done even if the napkins are a little crumply! The key is that they learn to help out, not that everything must be done to "t". Unless I've come to set your table, you don't have to worry about why the napkins are all wrinkly! So help your child become a responsible adult, and assign them easy to do (and safe) tasks to help you with.
By Kristen Docimo
8/31/2005
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