If you have small children, you will surely wonder when to involve children in household chores. Because within their education we must also teach them some other responsibility from a very early age. Of course, always without forcing and making it as entertaining as possible so that they show great interest on their own.
But of course, not all tasks are suitable for all ages so it is convenient to know when to start teaching them and where to start. So, if you are a bit lost, it is time for you to continue reading and discover what we are proposing, because believe it or not, it has endless benefits for children.
The great benefits of involving children in household chores
Sometimes it's hard to start, but if we think about all the benefits of involving children in household chores, surely we won't think twice. They need to know certain values such as maintaining order and cleanliness, as well as helping and collaborating at home.
- It's a way to develop your skills.: It can be making the bed or simply picking up their toys daily, but with these gestures, we will be able to stimulate and develop their skills. Thus, coordination will be the protagonist of each mentioned action.
- They will feel part of your group: although sometimes it seems that not, if we make it fun, they will love to be part of your team. It is a way of stimulating and sharing, something vital for their development. You are also encouraging him to learn certain routines and establish those important habits.
- Increased confidence: It is a way for them to feel more secure in what they do, have more confidence and increase their self-esteem. Especially if we encourage them at all times and also once the task itself is finished.
- Increase independence: Although they still need us, it is true that it is also part of their lives to start a firm path towards independence. This is a perfect way to encourage autonomy.
When should they be part of the tasks
We have already mentioned that not all tasks are perfect for all ages, so we must take into account the following:
- From 2 to 3 years old: you can involve them when it comes to picking up the toys, as well as that they can eat by themselves, even putting the clothes in their drawers or simply taking them to their room. Because we already know that it is still early for them to manage to fold or store it as we like.
- At 4 and 5 years: You can start to choose some clothes and dress yourself, as long as they are easy to put on. It can also help you set the table and even wash a plate or glass, but always by your side to avoid problems.
- At 6 and 7 years: it's time for you to make your bed and organize your room. Also, you can give him a duster or a rag to clean the dust. What's more, it's time for him to pack his backpack to go to school.
- At 8 and 9 years: you can shower or bathe yourself, you can even prepare breakfast, with supervision. It is a good time for you to teach him how to make very easy cooking recipes, but here we will also have to be around him to prevent all kinds of scares.
- At 10 and 11 years: He knows how to put on a washing machine and hang clothes, in addition to always having his room tidy, choosing his clothes and even vacuuming in a more than efficient way.
- From the 12 years: they will already know how to make some recipes, have the perfect room, do the laundry and even start to take care of their younger siblings, although not for too long or leave them alone. He'll go on errands and he'll be much more independent.
Remember that each child is a whole world and this implies being patient with him and not burdening him with too many tasks. The best thing is to go little by little, make him feel comfortable, make it a routine and thus, integrate the activities according to his age and his abilities.