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Mamas, it’s time to train. Because unfortunately, kids aren’t born knowing how to do household chores. And while the lazy dayz of summer are for rest and relaxation, the housework doesn’t take a summer break. In fact, have you noticed that it seems to increase when more people are home all day?? Not to worry- I have a free resource for you right in this post to get you started.
Yes, give your kids down time and fun time this summer, but you all will be a more functioning household if you train them on helping with age appropriate chores as they grow. Trust me, you will still be exhausted, as this shouldn’t be child labor, but it will pay off. Now unclench your jaw and exhale- because you’ve got this!
Why summer? Usually the summer schedule is a little more relaxed. Yet, these chores can be trained at any time. Personally, I refuse to one day let my kids leave the nest thinking that mom will always just take care of EVERYTHING. Your labor of love can and should be taking care of your family. And I believe that this is all part of that. You love your kids enough to not let them be lazy slugs. They need to be ready to take on the world- or at least their first apartment or dorm room. Set them up for success.
This starts now. My kids are 6 and 8, but even 4 or 5 year olds are capable of more than you might think. We are totally in full training mode at the Dahl house. I do not write this because I have my kids already trained. I’m totally in the trenches with you. And from experience, the longer you wait, the more resistance you will have on your hands.
Side note before we continue. If you are concerned about the toxic chemicals your child will be exposed to if they help clean the house, please consider the products you are using. One, they are already exposed. You are already exposed. Two, if I’ve learned nothing more in my health/cancer journey, it’s that chemicals DO NOT equal clean. For years I though they did. Then I had my own family, did some research and had my mind blown.
You can clean your whole house with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and water and it would work great.
My choice is Thieves Household Cleaner because certain essential oils (which it contains) are a freaking powerhouse when it comes to cleaning. Do your own research, or reach out with questions. Plus, my kids could lick it, or drink it, and I personally would not call for medical help. It’s just non-toxic plants. I’ve researched every ingredient. Super boring; don’t waste your time. Grab it here.
Here are some ideas of age appropriate (summer) chores:
Age 4-5
Count out and put napkins on the table.
Clean up toys and activities- with supervision.
Help feed a pet- with supervision.
Help water plants inside or outside (if applicable).
Age 6-8
Make bed.*
Count out and set napkins + silverware on the table.
Help clear dishes from the table.
Load silverware into and out of the dishwasher.
Put their clean laundry away in drawers. (Work up to having them fold and put away.)
Clean up toys and activities.
Help feed a pet.
Help water plants inside or outside (if applicable).
Dust bedroom- with supervision.
Clean kid bathroom- with supervision.
Go through toys and find ones to donate (one-time).
Go through clothes and donate if too small (one-time)- with supervision.
Age 9-12
Make bed.*
Set napkins + silverware on the table.
Clear dishes and wipe down table.
Load dishes into and out of the dishwasher.
Vacuum kitchen floor.
Take out the trash and recycle. Replace trash bags in cans.
Learn how to sort laundry and run a washing machine.
Fold (if applicable) and put their clean laundry away.
Fold and put away clean towels (bathroom and kitchen).
Clean up toys and activities.
Feed and clean up after a pet.
Dust and vacuum bedroom.
Clean kid bathroom.
Go through toys and find ones to donate (one-time).
Give sports equipment a good cleaning (one-time).
Go through clothes and donate if too small (one-time).
*If “making the bed” is driving you (or them) crazy, grab Beddy’s. They have been a game changer in our house. I remind them to” zip” and boom, done. Check out Beddy’s here.
Whether you feel this is too much, or too little, all of it needs to be done. Adjust as you see fit. Most tasks aren’t daily tasks anyway.
I like to start in the kitchen (and you can include the main living area), as the kids participate in getting this area messy potentially 3 times per day. Then, expand the focus on “their” space- their play area, bedroom, and bathroom. All of these areas don’t just clean themselves. Its ok your children know this. Although they won’t like the chores, they will be able to see that they use these areas frequently.
Introduce a team mindset. Your family is a team. When the family teammates work together, you all win. Model for them; get in there and show them how it’s done, with a “I’m so excited you are old enough to be part of our team” attitude. Clean the bathroom together, for example.
Funny story- I recently did this with my daughter. “Maggie, I’m so excited you are now old enough to help with ____! Yay team!” Kid you not, she got the worst look on her face and then began whining. I just stayed positive (even though I felt positively annoyed) and we got the chore done. The next time I asked her to do said chore, her reaction was marginally better. Baby steps…
No one ever said parenting is for the weak. Or tired. Or short-tempered. Teaching these things might not give you relief in the present, but it will pay off over time, and most importantly, your kids will be self-sufficient individuals when it’s time for them to fly.
Have a great summer and pass this on to a friend!!
Embrace Life
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