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A chore is defined as a routine or minor duty or task. This is one definition of the word chore. I think that is why children dislike doing chores. They are made out to be a punishment instead of an enrichment. This is how I went about the chore process in my home.

Every child is curious. I have decided to use their curiosity as an opportunity to teach them something that in turn becomes what is known as a chore. I have four children who each began to make their own school lunches in kindergarten. This all began because one day they asked if they could make their own sandwich and I said sure. This is their nightly chore. They make their own sandwiches, snack and whatever else they need for their lunch.

When I would sort laundry, my kids would ask to help so instead of saying no, I taught them how. If it looks like daytime it is light; if it looks like night, it is dark; white is white; and towels go into their own pile. My kids now know how to separate their own laundry and they can actually wash and dry their own clothes if needed.They fold and hang their own laundry, too.

When they would ask if they could help with washing the dishes, sure, I would say. They learned. Now they can do the dishes on their own. One would wash, one would rinse, one would dry and the other would put away. We do have a dishwasher now. They each rinse their own plate and put it in the dishwasher. They each know how to put in the soap, run the cycle, unload & put away the dishes when complete. They work together as a team to get it done.

They do have daily chores: trash, recyclables, clearing the table and taking care of the pets, food and water for them. They also are to keep their rooms clean.

When I start dusting and cleaning the windows, they ask if they can help, of course, I would say. My children now know how to dust and do the windows.

They even were curious outside in the yard. They wanted to help clean up the yard or plant in the garden. I never say no unless it would put them in harms way. They help with the watering, weeding ,raking and even shoveling of the snow. So I turned their curiosity into a learning opportunity and now they have life long skills.

If you are wondering the ages of my children when their "chores" began....they all started with lunch @ age 5...Today their ages are 12,8,8,7. I taught them everything on this list by the summer of 2008. When people are at our house and see what my children are capable of doing, they are amazed. I just tell them that when my children asked to learned, I was more than happy to teach. We work together as a team, with that, we have more time together as a family.

Curiosity and children go hand in hand. You need to feed them both so they both can grow. I do not think that you can put an age to a chore appropriate chores. It is up to you decide on what your child is capable of doing. Trust me, though, they can handle more than you think. Have a little faith and patience and watch your child grow.

Learn more about this author, Sheri Demarco.
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