Sunday morning chores I guess I would call it. Little things we tend to leave alone but then slowly build up.
Then I made a quick call to a friend to catch up on our week and she sounds out of breathe and energy.
When I ask what is on her plate she has a total list to share...
- dishes in the sink
- laundry to sort, load, wash and fold
- several meals planned and ready to prep and store away
- mail to sort through and magazines stacking up
- kids toys all over the floor in the living room and in their rooms oh and in her room
- sippy cups thrown about
- husbands work gear sitting in a corner
I mean it was an endless array that had me shacking my head like What?
So this made me wonder, what age is too young for chores? Or maybe not even using the word chores but instead to just be able to help around the house?
Am I wrong to think perhaps age three is a great start? I mean three year olds walk, talk and for the most part can express themselves clearly, so why wouldn’t they be able to help in putting away their toys, or the smaller articles of laundry or even the place mats on the dinner table?
I feel anytime you can begin to show your children to fend for themselves, is a great time to begin to give them responsibilities. Help them learn little tasks that build family connection and unity. A sense of being part of a bigger picture.
That when you help mommy you are really helping yourself and you are allowing for investment of your time in other more pleasant areas.
So go ahead and ask your three your old to put his or her own cup in the sink while you sit and open the mail, trust me it will be ok.
Here is to perhaps a smoother Sunday today or next week for both my friend and you lovely ladies and gents.
What other lite things can our little ones help us with?
I think a small child could learn to put their toys away, maybe in a designated spot. I wish I had started this with my now 7 year old. But I guess you're never too old to learn, huh?
ReplyDeleteTiffany, thanks for visit :) It is never to late 7 is still doable :)It is even better perhaps because 7 year olds can do so many things!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember what age I started asking my daughter to help but she s four now and she helps pick up the toys, put laundry away, even helps fold it sometimes, helps clear the dishes, sometimes even with washing them. It s not like she does this every day, but when I ask her to help she just does. I praise her frequently for being such a good girl about helping me.
ReplyDeleteAngela @ Time with A & N
Angela, hello thanks for comment and what a little lady indeed :). Seems like you have a great team player in your hands :).
Deletehahaha I am lol at your image picture of the lady. My kids started doing chores at a very early age maybe 3. Nothing major but I got them in the habit of picking up after they finish with toys books dishes, we had a little step ladder for them to put their dishes in the sink. Even if they couldn't do it perfect they attempted and as they grew practice makes perfect, My older sister and I was and is totally different on a number of things but for example she is still picking up after her kids who are now 17 and 19. I think their only chore is cleaning their rooms.
ReplyDeletePicking up after teenagers? Oh no, that does not fall under my stress free life motto lol...Thanks visit comment Camii :)
DeleteHi Mari, Great lesson! I was terrible about getting my children to do chores. I regret it now. I always thought since I was a SAHM, I should just do everything. I now know that did not do any favors for them. My daughter lives on her own now and has difficulty finding the routine in keeping her house clean. I so wish I would have taught her that at a younger age. I have started giving my son more to do around the house. I won't make that mistake again! Always good to find your stuff in my inbox :)!
ReplyDeleteCandace thanks for comment. Yes I know that as moms we believe that because we stay at home (I did that for a while too) that we "should" do "everything" but that is just not realistic or even fair to us. Hopefully your daughter can figure out some easy tricks, with mommies help :) and thanks for kind words. We chat again :)
DeleteI totally agree! Even age two! Pick up your own toys!
ReplyDeleteJennifer welcome thanks for comment. I was gonna say two but I didn't want to sound abusive lol :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! My four (ages 3-12) help in various ways and it keeps me sane(r). Starting then young is so important :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visit :). End of day its all about staying sane for sure. Hope to chat with you again soon!
Delete3 isn't too young, just make it fun and don't let them see you re-do any of it. Good luck - it gets better!
ReplyDeleteAntionette, thanks for visit. Glad you like age 3 it was so much fun when my daughter helped me, we had nice bonding times :)
DeleteLove it!! I want to start now, and my son is only 8 months! LOL Nothing wrong with helping. They might even actually like it for now, so why not take advantage. Make it seem like a fun thing to do! Great read!
ReplyDeleteK thanks for visit! 8 Months yeah he can help a little lol. Absolutely nothing wrong with starting early :) help your life be stress free. Share with me how it goes!
ReplyDeleteMadison is 19 months old and even she has her own chore now. She has to pick up her toys and put it in her toy box. It takes forever to get done but she does it. :)
ReplyDeleteAwh that is great. Madison will be much better off for it in the long run just you wait and see :)
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