Hellobee Boards Topic: How do your kids contribute to running your household?

Hellobee Boards Topic: How do your kids contribute to running your household? https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:42:23 +0000 pachamama on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2832125 Tue, 03 Jul 2018 12:25:37 +0000 pachamama 2832125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Iced Tea: my 2.5 y/o son runs my household because he is basically a tiny dictator and I am a hapless victim of his moods and whims. Jk he's not that bad. But he certainly isn't helping keep it clean (even though he "sweeps" and "wipe windows") petitenoisette on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831871 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 14:52:51 +0000 petitenoisette 2831871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Iced Tea: I was going to mention that article before I saw you beat me to it at the end of your post! It really resonated with me and I’m working hard to encourage better habits in my daughter. Basically right now I am letting her help with anything she asks even if it is not convenient. We were just on a family vacation and she was having a snack and hanging with her uncle and then I heard her ask him to help her put the bowl in the dishwasher! It was amazing (for her :silly: ). She’s 3 yrs 4 months. We are so inconsistent with things, she doesn’t really have any set chores. I try to remember to have her bring her plates to the dishwasher. I discovered a good way to have her help transfer clothes from washer (top loader) to dryer is to throw the items in the hamper on the ground and then she transfers to the dryer. I’m just hoping by always saying yes when she can safely help she’ll get better about doing things I ask bc she frequently says no if asked and I don’t want to make everything into a battle. SweetiePie on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831864 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 14:37:28 +0000 SweetiePie 2831864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I’m not consistent with it, it’s my own fault because often I’m just in beast mode to get things done. But the things he’s helped with and it hasn’t been a huge pain/he actually enjoyed: - setting the table for dinner - clearing at least his dishes and putting in the sink. - loading and unloading the dishwasher and pouring in the soap. - loading the washing machine and moving it to the dryer. - sorting socks from clean laundry. - vacuuming his crumbs after snacks and meals - taking out the recycling Mrs. Lemon-Lime on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831808 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:41:00 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2831808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I’m impressed your 3 yr old can make sandwiches! My 26 month old likes to help with the laundry. It would be faster if we just sorted ourselves and moved clothes from the washer to dryer and pressed all the buttons, but we encourage his participation. He likes to throw stuff in the trash especially his own diapers. He will wipe up spills. Sometimes I will let him participate in meal prep. As long as he can see what I’m doing he’s okay not being 100% hands on. He’s great at locating things and putting things back where they belong or reminding us where they belong. Honestly, this kid can sleuth our lost keys and we haven’t lost our fan remotes. Sams Mom on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831805 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:27:15 +0000 Sams Mom 2831805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Iced Tea: My son started helping switch laundry from the washer to the dryer when he was right around 1. It's easiest on his own laundry because its not so big it gets dragged across the floor. @krispi: We put our knives through the dishwasher too, but I have pulled out the silverware baskets to make more room and use the top (3rd row?) tray for all of the silverware, knives, and silicone from his sippy cups. Iced Tea on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831781 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:21:35 +0000 Iced Tea 2831781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Hypatia: Well, the sandwiches were very sparse on peanut butter, but it was one of her first times making it, so I totally expected that. I've noticed that helping out seems to increase her confidence and self-image. My 12 month old has started to try to help more, too. She cleans things with baby wipes and tries to move things from one cabinet to another. She puts trash (sometimes not trash though!) in the garbage can. I'd like to think of more ways for her to practice helping. We don't have a dust-buster, but I'm considering one after reading all your comments! We have a tiny hand-broom and pan, but they aren't into it. looch on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831771 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 08:33:37 +0000 looch 2831771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ We have a cleaning lady, so my son doesn't see us cleaning beyond the daily items with the kitchen, laundry and outdoor work. He will gladly help and I have drilled it into him that the expectation is that everyone in the family has to make an effort to make sure things are cleaned, put away, etc and that we don't just wait for the cleaning lady to do it for us. My son is also responsible for his backpack during the school year, making sure he has his water bottle, that he is bringing his assignments and has the right gear. krispi on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831769 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 08:24:41 +0000 krispi 2831769@https://boards.hellobee.com/ My daughter is not quite 3, so most of her chores still involve straightening up her things. She can pick up her toys and put them away, although she needs a little oversight to tell her what to do. If her dad or I have left our things out, she can help pick those up too. She can throw away her trash and put her dishes in the sink. When I'm cleaning, I often give her a wipe and let her "dust" the furniture. She only gets the edges and isn't very thorough, but she loves feeling like she's helping. She also helps me put clothes in the washer or dryer, and I'll let her help press the start button. She hasn't gotten the hang of folding laundry yet, but I'll let her help find the matching socks. If I'm baking (which I don't do very often anymore) she loves to help stir. This thread has lots of good ideas. I haven't let her help with the dishes yet, because I'm paranoid she'll accidentally grab a knife or something sharp. I guess other people don't put their knives in the dishwasher, but we totally do. :) 808love on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831748 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:15:03 +0000 808love 2831748@https://boards.hellobee.com/ That is such a great article, everyone should read it!! As a teacher I have students help me straighten and clean everything and they want to! A few even offer to do more and will stay in at recess to do it too. I had a student tell me I am a workaholic at school but not at home. It is because his sisters and mom do everything for him at home. When I didn’t have kids, as a new teacher, I asked a parent during a conference who had awesome girls, what is your secret? She told me she gave them jobs from when they were very little. Specifically laundry. I’ve tried to take that advice and even though I combat my inherent tendency for messiness ona daily basis, I’ve been teaching my daughter to contribute from a young age. She puts away silverware, sorts and puts away clothes, feeds our dog, lets her in and out, helps wash/clean car, straightens up a room, and whatever job I give her. She has shown initiative in washing bathroom mirrors and dusting but really she knows she is expected to pitch in everyday without allowance and that she will be expected to do more as she gets older. The thing that drives me crazy which runs on her dad’s side is ‘forgetting’ to take her plate up when she is done eating. lamariniere on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831745 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 23:33:32 +0000 lamariniere 2831745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ My kids are 7 and 4. They don't really have established chores, but they are almost always willing to help with tasks when I ask. Also, when things need to be done, I will tell them that X chore needs to happen before Y activity. Some things they do: Help hang wet laundry Put away a pile of folded laundry Vacuum with the cordless vac or dust buster Water the plants Get their own snacks Take trash/recycling to the trash room (in the hallway) Usually clean up toys/put away books without too much trouble They love to help cook, but I often find that stressful :silly: , so I will let them help when we aren't in a hurry. My older LO will wash his plate/cup when I ask, but he wastes so much water! Neither can reach the cabinets for putting away dishes or food. They also help put away random objects, like new toiletries, toilet paper, toys that belong in their rooms, etc. Sams Mom on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831739 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 22:01:02 +0000 Sams Mom 2831739@https://boards.hellobee.com/ My son is 2y3m He hands me things out of the dishwasher to put away. He switches laundry from the washer to the dryer, cleans out the lint trap, and starts the load. (As long as it's a normal/cotton setting because that's the only one he knows) "Helps" feed the cat and dog, but successfully feeds the bird the right amount of food (I don't know why that's the only one he's figured out) Helps pick up toys Throws diapers or trash away Will fetch a new roll of toilet paper or paper towels if asked. Kind of helps put groceries away Helps carry the trash out to the bin ETA: As I was typing this up, he got a pack of baby wipes and started wiping down the end tables catgirl on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831737 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:46:19 +0000 catgirl 2831737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ DD is 3.5, and she: Feeds the cats twice a day (we watch to make sure she puts the right amount in but at this point she is quite accurate) Takes recycling from the kitchen to our entryway Assists with emptying the dishwasher (she can do the silverware on her own and she hands us the rest) Brings plates/cups/utensils to/from the table Using the small handheld vacuum to clean the floor around her seat after meals (we have to tell her when it's necessary) She's in charge of turning off lights when we leave the house If I put laundry detergent in the machine and cue it up she will put her clothes in and turn it on. She also brings clean clothes back to her room. She loves to dust. Though I typically touch up some areas. Cleans up her toys everyday before nap and before bed. We will help and still have to redirect her but she does 75% General assistance - if I am cooking she will get things out and put them away for me. She will go grab a new roll of paper towel if needed. Helps put away groceries. When I vacuum she will go around to collect the cat toys first. PinkElephant on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831736 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:40:04 +0000 PinkElephant 2831736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Hypatia: Ohhh yes! I forgot that - my kids absolutely now get asked to use the dust-buster to clean up dirt/leaves they track in, things they spill, and their places under the kitchen island after they've eaten something crumbly. They like doing it, and it actually IS a huge help. They've gotten pretty efficient at it, too! Hypatia on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831734 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:30:30 +0000 Hypatia 2831734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ That's amazing! Even at four, the task of getting peanut butter and jelly out of the jars and onto bread is really difficult for my daughter. But you've inspired me to let her practice. Maybe we'll start with deli sandwiches and work up from there. We have a Dyson v3 vacuum, so it's lightweight enough for her to vacuum with. Is she thorough? Not at all. But she has fun and it's good habits training. It's her job to help me unload the dishwasher every morning. I give her the silverware rack and she puts the utensils away. Then she stacks the plates and bowls on the counter, so I can put them in the cupboard (if we didn't have a one year old, I'd put them in a lower cabinet so she could do it herself). I've started asking her to put the recycling in our bin that we keep in the garage. It's her job to keep her room clean, and before bed every night, we put on music and tidy up the living room together. I'm going to start having her move the laundry over from the washer to the dryer and turn it on. When she's a little older, I'll have her put the clothes in the washer, throw in a Tide pod, and turn it on. I should also probably start teaching her to load the dishwasher, but she hates getting her hands dirty, and the tetris skills needed for loading it might be beyond her. PinkElephant on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831732 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:23:48 +0000 PinkElephant 2831732@https://boards.hellobee.com/ That's amazing on the sandwiches! Following with interest. At 6 & 4, my older girls are finally starting to have it click that if they help, I'm more available to do the things they want to do (and am a whole lot happier/friendlier to boot). We're not quite there yet on all of these (i.e., they don't do all of them all the time), but some things we work on are: -clearing your plate, and sometimes others' plates, after meals; bonus points for wiping up your place with a washcloth -setting the table (this is very much "sometimes") - fetching things for others (getting the towels or sunscreen so I can supervise the other kids in the pool, bringing down socks for everyone) -throwing away diapers for me -carrying things up/down stairs for me so I can help the baby, or helping a sibling when they've got a lot of their own things to take up I'm very curious to see what activities other littles have enjoyed doing for their families - I know mine have really delighted in things like bringing us coffee/breakfast in bed on Mother's Day/Father's Day, and we should probably encourage them more in acts of service. Recently I've really tried to get them to grasp that sometimes it doesn't matter WHO made the mess or who benefits directly from an action, being a helper and cleaning it up (or doing whatever needs doing) benefits EVERYONE in the end. Iced Tea on "How do your kids contribute to running your household?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-your-kids-contribute-to-running-your-household#post-2831730 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 21:03:28 +0000 Iced Tea 2831730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Today my three year old made lunch for the entire family (her idea). PB&J sandwiches. Then she asked me what to do with the dirty dishes. It was the first time she did something in service to the whole family, and it got me excited! She picks up her own things, like I've taught her, but this was a new level. I want my family to work as a team. Often when the kids ask to help, it's inconvenient, but I try to make the time anyway with an eye toward the future. I read this interesting article along the same lines recently: <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/06/09/616928895/how-to-get-your-kids-to-do-chores-without-resenting-it" rel="nofollow">https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/06/09/616928895/how-to-get-your-kids-to-do-chores-without-resenting-it</a> How do your kids contribute?