My husband always tells me “We’re just working ourselves out of a job!” Even though, as a mom, those are not the words you want to hear, they are spot on! We are raising tiny humans to be able to live on their own in society. One of the things I do is include my kids in chores. Everyone from the six-year-old to the two-year-old helps with household chores. What’s even better? They love them, they think it’s fun and I’m not telling them the truth!!! Here are some easy chores to get your kids involved in and also take a little piece of your plate!
Folding Wash Rags::
When I have a load of towels in the dryer, I round up the kids and get them each a place on the floor. I start handing them piles of rags and they start folding. We keep ours in a drawer in the bathroom, so perfection is not an issue. Once their pile is folded, then they have to go put them up in the drawer. Such an easy task and one less thing on my list!
Sorting Clothes::
We have a quad laundry organizer. It’s a rolling cart with removable bags. One bag is for regular clothes, PJs, and socks/underwear. The next basket is for only mom’s clothes. The next one is for uniform shirts and the final basket is for all whites and khaki uniform bottoms. Even the two year knows where her clothes go. The sorting is done as we take them off and my job with washing is easy. I pick up a bag and throw it in the washer. Done.
Putting Up Pajamas::
Each kid has a laundry basket of PJs in our bathroom linen closet. When I fold pjs, their job is to get their stack out of the laundry room and bring them to their basket. Again, everyone wins!!!
Wiping Down Sinks and Bathroom Counters::
On weekend mornings, each kid gets 2 Lysol wipes, they each get an assignment. The bigs get a bathroom and they have to wipe the sinks and the counters. The youngest has to wipe down the kitchen table, chairs, and barstools. They think it is literally the greatest thing ever! They love it and mommy doesn’t have to do it!!!
Refilling the Toilet Paper::
This is another task that is easy but fun to get off my list. Once a week, we refill toilet paper holders. Everyone likes to do it but it’s a great chore for a young child. My two-year-old loves to do it.
Cleaning Their Rooms::
My kids still hate to clean their room. So, I had to be creative on how to get it accomplished. So, on room cleaning days-I tell them I’m setting a timer, usually for 20 minutes. Whoever gets their rooms cleaned before the timer dings will get a special treat. You’d be surprised the action you can get from a kid for a sucker or even a few m&ms!
Helping With the Dishes::
My kids put up clean silverware. It’s an easy thing to teach and they can usually do it independently. Also, putting the dishwasher pod in before running the dishwasher. This is a crowd favorite at our house, so I have to keep up with who’s turn it is.
I know a lot of moms that say that they just can’t get anything done with their kids underfoot. I was that mom! Then I realized I needed to include them. I needed to give them a task that would involve them but also give me a second to do something else. I guarantee you that your kids will LOVE helping around the house. You’re killing two birds with one stone-they learn some responsibility and you’re able to get some other things done in the meantime.
