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Should Kids Get Paid For Chores – age appropriate ideas to make them pull their weight
Allowance is something that each household approaches differently. However, if you want to teach your children good work ethic, you need to make them work for their allowance. That doesn’t mean the chores have to be difficult. There are things that younger and older children can do that will allow them to earn money. Let’s take a closer look at chores for kids to earn money.
Chores for kids to earn money
Chores for Ages Four to Six
Younger children can earn an allowance. The chores can be as simple as gathering dirty clothes to be washed or folding the laundry after it comes out of the dryer. They can feed and water the family pets. Help put away groceries. Put away their toys and keep their rooms picked up. Make their beds. If there is a chore that isn’t dangerous, it can most likely be done by this age group.
Chores for Ages Seven to Twelve
As your children get older, they can take on more responsibility. They can gather and take out the trash. Load and unload the dishwasher. Set the table each evening before dinner. Sweep or vacuum. Dust. Wash dishes by hand. Carry in groceries and put them away. Wipe down countertops and surfaces. Pack their own lunches. Learn to wash laundry. Your children are now old enough to start doing chores that are a bit more advanced. Treat it like a game and let them think they’ve reached a new level.
Chores for Ages Twelve to Fifteen
At this age you can start letting your children handle chores like cleaning the bathroom, washing windows, giving the dog a bath, etc. Your children are getting older and are at an age where they can use cleaning products without you having to worry. This is also a great age to let your children start handling more of the responsibilities in the kitchen. By this age, your children should have some basic kitchen skills. Start letting them be more involved with picking out meals for the week and even preparing them (with supervision, of course).
Chores for Ages 16+
Your child is now old enough to drive. Woo hoo! This means that you can send them on errands. No more having to drive across town to drop something off. You’re going to love this as much as your children do. You can send them to the grocery store, to the post office, etc. Think about how much time you’ll save. Not only that, but at this age your children should be able to handle any household chores.
In short, yes, kids should get paid for doing additional chores. The amount you pay your children for doing chores above and beyond their basic contribution is completely up to you. The important thing is to raise children that understand you need to work for things in life. Children that are handed everything without doing a bit of work grow up to feel entitled. Create a chore chart and make your children earn their allowance.
