I am a big believer in kids doing chores. I think teaching basic life skills and getting them to help out around the home is really important. I also want my boys to be independent and able to survive in the “real world” when they leave home (and pick up their wet towels!).

I keep it very simple and it’s taken a while to work out a plan that suits our family but now my boys do their chores without complaint and they also do a really good job!

I have set jobs for them according to their age, but for us what works really well is their “morning jobs” between 8am – 8.30am. The part I like best is that they tidy their toys from the lounge room area every morning so every afternoon when we get home at least that area of the house (that I have to look at the most!) is nice and tidy.

Here is a list of suggested jobs I’ve come across according to age. Please note, my kids in NO WAY do all these jobs – I’ve just selected a few from each list that work well for them and their abilities but I’ve included more jobs so you can pick and choose what works for your family.

Toddler (Ages 2-3)

• Pick Up Toys (show them how)
• Bring plate and cup to the sink after a meal
• Straighten covers on the bed
• Put dirty clothes into the hamper
• Dust (little kids love those fluffy feather dusters!)
• Put books or magazines in a pile

Pre-schooler (Ages 4-5)

• All Toddler jobs
• Make the bed
• Help put clothes in washing machine/dryer
• Help put clothes away
• Take out recycling
• Unload utensils from dishwasher
• Water plants
• Clean up backyard
• Feed pets

Infant school (Ages 6-8)

• All Preschool & Toddler Jobs
• Set table
• Wash dishes in sink
• Put clean clothes away on own
• Collect garbage around the house
• Sweep
• Vacuum
• Get mail
• Put away groceries
• Wash/vacuum car
• Weed garden

Primary School (Ages 9-11)

• All Toddler, Preschool, & Elementary Jobs
• Help in meal preparation
• Clean toilets
• Clean bathroom sinks, counters, mirrors
• Take wheelie bins out to road
• Mow lawn
• Clean animal cages/area
• Help make/pack lunch
• Change sheets on bed (or at least strip the bed)

Remember, your kids don’t automatically know how to do most of these jobs. You will need to walk them through it and teach them how you want it done – after two or three times they’ll get the knack of it!

As for payment or pocket money – well that’s a whole other kettle of fish and I’ve found varies quite a lot between families. The majority of the kids’ pocket money goes straight into their Scoot Super Saver account which is easy for me!

Find out more about the fabulous Scoot Super Saver with bcu by clicking here.