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Coaching kids through spring cleaning chores

By on February 27, 2010
Photo © Elena Derevstova
 
On the surface, coaching kids to do chores seems like no more than getting children to pick up around the house. Coaching kids to pitch in regularly with household maintenance instills important values, and teaches life lessons and basic domestic skills. Each skill listed in this article has an italicized affirmation for you and your child to put on index cards and read together each day to reinforce the teamwork of a family.

Children feel like they truly belong to their family unit. Having kids do chores helps a child feel connected to his or her family. Assigning chores allows each member of the family to share responsibility in the day-to-day operations of home life, which sends these messages:

• We value you as a family member.
• You matter; your contribution matters.
• You are unique and important to the overall success of the family’s day.

From teaching responsibility to encouraging independence, chores instill important values in children, such as …

Responsibility
Chores teach kids that they are responsible for their personal items like clothes and toys. "If I don’t pick up my things and put them in their place I may lose track of them."  

Teamwork
Chores teach kids that a group of people with a common goal can accomplish much. When everyone does their share of tidying up the house gets clean quicker.

Self-reliance
Chores teach kids that there are some things you must depend on yourself to do. "If I want a neat bed and I don’t make it, no one is going to make it for me."

Confidence
Chores teach kids to have an "I can do it” attitude. Completing age-appropriate tasks can be fun!

Community
Chores teach kids the importance of community living. "If I know how to be an active member of my family community, I will be able to be an active member of my school or work community."

Independence
Chores teach kids that they are capable of doing some things on their own. "As I get older, there are more things I can do without a grownup’s help." Chores also teach kids important life lessons that are best taught in the safety net of home.

Organization
Chores teach kids that when everything has its place, it’s easy to find things. "When I know where things are, I won’t have to waste time searching for them."

Structure
Chores teach kids that specific things must be done in specific ways. "When I do it right the first time, I won’t have to do it again."

Prioritization
Chores teach kids that sometimes we have to do the things that aren’t fun first. "If I want to have a friend over, I need to pick up in my play area first." Chores also help kids teach life skills, basic domestic tasks that all adults must learn to master. Basic life skills that can be taught through chores include:

Laundry
Chores teach kids how to care for their clothing. My clothes don’t magically appear clean.  And the great thing about chores is that even the youngest member of the family can do his or her part.

Cooking
Chores teach kids how to prepare meals and snacks. "I can make my own snacks when I am hungry."

Cleaning
Chores teach kids how to maintain a healthy home. "When I see crumbs on the floor, I should pick them up so that bugs don’t eat them."

So as you take part in the annual rite of passage we call Spring Cleaning, get your kids involved. To motivate your children to do chores:

• Consider posting a Spring Cleaning chore chart.  Make a grid and list each family member’s name across the top and chores down the side. As a chore is completed, allow your child to place a sticker or check mark next to it. After the Spring Cleaning is complete, carry on with a weekly chore chart for the family.

• Make chores fun. Have chore races or make up silly songs to sing as you do your chores. The cleanup song motivates even the most uncooperative toddlers to pick up their toys.

• Offer a family reward. Once everyone’s done their job, prepare a favorite meal, play a favorite family game or go on a family outing or adventure.

Spring Cleaning provides the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to chores. Seize the moment! You’ll be thankful you did!

Children as young as one can:
•   Help put small toys in a large bin for cleanup
•   Help make a bed
•   Help put clothes in hamper
•   Put cup on table or highchair (rather than floor when done)

Children as young as two can:
•   Clean up small spills
•   Put books on a shelf
•   Help sort laundry
•   Carry small items from car to house

Children as young as three can:
•   Help set the table
•   Empty paper trash cans
•   Fold socks
•   Put spoons and forks away

Children as young as four can:
•   Clear table
•   Rinse dishes
•   Help vacuum
•   Dust

Children as young as five can:
•   Set the table
•   Help prepare meals
•   Make a bowl of cereal
•   Help feed a baby

Dr. Caron Goode is gifted with compassion in assisting others to effect lasting transformation through spiritual coaching, books, classes and seminars. Caron’s continuous education, experience in psychology, and professional writing makes her a great resource for parents wishing to create and maintain a nurturing relationship with their children. She has positioned the Academy for Coaching Parents International (www.acpi.biz) at the forefront of the parent coaching movement to disseminate the coaching model of empowerment for parents. Newest book – Raising Intuitive Children by Goode and Paterson.

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