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In previous generations parents had fewer issues with motivating their children to help with chores. It was expected that children would help. In some areas of the United States, children were kept out of school for short periods of time to assist with farm work. Often times the schools closed during planting and harvesting for this very reason.

Today's children are different from those raised at the turn of the 20th century and prior. Technology has replaced the need for so many hands (mostly boys and men) in the field. As well, technology has changed the requirements that were once the responsibility of the females to wash clothes (by hand) and cook meals in stoves with no temperature regulation. Seemingly these were all time and labor saving mechanisms. While we may be less laborious in our daily activities, there has been no overage of time in our lives.

Parents seem to have less and less time. The need for help from their children to do basic household chores is not only essential for the child's well-being, but also for the parents who realize they can't do everything.

When garnering for support from your children it's important that what you're asking of them is age appropriate.

Two to Four Years of Age:

A toddler cannot be expected to do chores, however, this does not mean that they can't be introduced to idea of being tidy. As easily as they can pull a toy from a toy box, they can return it.

Bonnie, a stay-at-home mom for five years has a rule for her youngest son, Eli. "If you take out a toy, you must return it to the toy box before getting another." As Bonnie went on to explain, Eli didn't follow the rule all the time at the beginning, but after constant repetition they no longer have toys scattered all over the house.

With younger children, repetition is the key. They must be reminded many times before it becomes a way a life. These constant reminders may cause you to feel like giving up, but the consistency will pay off if given time and patience.

Another idea for children in this age group is to have them help you with daily chores. If you're walking around the house with a trash bag empting all smaller cans into it, have them help you. Sure, it may take twice as long and you maybe even end up with trash cans dumped on the floor instead of in the bag, but this is new for them. They need practice.

Five to Eight Years of Age:

During this stage of development children are able to take on more responsibility, but don't expect too much too soon.

"Jared's room

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