So now my kids are 5 & 3; I try to have them clean up but they don’t have assigned chores per say.
I do think its time now - they seem to be disrespectful of all the housework that I do.
Literally go around leaving things on the floors/tables don’t put away dishes.
Is it to early?
And how should I approach the idea? Offer an allowance?
Right Age to Introduce Chores
It’s never too early. My boys have age appropriate chores which are non negotiable. The type of chores gets added to as they get older.
Don’t offer an allowance in exchange for chores. Give an allowance as reward for doing what they should be doing anyway. And I take away from their weekly allowance if their chores have not been completed.
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
Definitely not to early from what I’ve seen. In fact, as soon as children can understand and follow instructions, they should be aware of ‘chores’ and that they have a certain responsibility over themselves and things they do. For example, playing with their toys means when they are done, the toys should be put away.
My mum had us all pretty well trained. A 5 year old should be able to make their own bed, for example. Ok, it won’t be perfect and you’ll probably think “What’s the point, I can do it myself in 30 seconds and it will be as I want it” but it’s more about creating good habits and making them realise that you aren’t their slave. My cousin’s daughter is so cute, she’s not even two and she’s very concious of when she makes a mess and that it should be cleaned up.. and my cousin is not an OCD cleaner or anything.
I think you should start by getting them to join in doing stuff with you and requesting them to do specific things. With some time and effort, you shouldn’t have to keep reminding them. I personally wouldn’t introduce a reward concept because you are sending out the wrong message.
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
o hai khatti
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
At 5 years, my kids were responsible for making their beds (like stoppit said, to the best of their ability), putting away their clothes/laundry(whatever they could reach lol) and helping set the table
After that, I added emptying the dishwasher…sweeping up
Now, at ages 8 & 10, they do all of the above, plus…take out the trash & recycling, vacuuming, cleaning their playroom, yardwork as dictated by their papa.
When we move into the new house, they will now be responsible for cleaning their bathroom (ill show them how once or twice, then their on their own 
)
And their allowance/pocket money is $3 a week (they get it every friday). But if they have not kept their rooms cleaned, have slacked on other chores or have gotten in trouble in other ways, we take away from their allowance in $.50 increments.
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
WOW – okay this is allot to take in.
I think i"m that McPaindu mom I don’t make them do anything except pick up toys.
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
For your own sanity, start a routine/system. I was on the brink of a mental breakdown trying to keep up with all their stuff all over the place. My husband was more strict in this regard then me, so once he and I got on the same page, the kids had no choice but to follow lol! And alot of these tasks are not daily..like their playroom, they now realize that if they put stuff away when they are done with it, they don’t have to worry about cleaning up everyday.
I had to show tough love…I literally fractured my toe a couple of years ago, tripping over their toys (I was on my way out to an appointment, had my laptop bag on my arm…I tripped over their toys which I didn’t see and my bag fell on my foot while my toe was trapped in their stupid roller coaster thing)…so after that, we implemented the "if it’s still on the floor after you get done playing with it, it goes in the trash) No ifs, ands or buts. Period. And I was consistant. Yes, I’m the mean Mom who through away her kids toys. But you know what, now they know I mean business. My eldest will keep the twins in line…he’ll be the first to say “Put the legos away before Mama throws them away!!! You know she’ll do it!” 
Just start with one chore, that is age appropriate, and be consistant with it! Once they understand, and complete it, add another. The point is just to teach them that it’s their home as well, and they have a responsibility in keeping it clean, as well as helping you out where they can.
Don’t worry, you got this!
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
I’d say tell your 5 year old to tidy up his toys after playing and 3 year old would perhaps follow the 5 year old by himself. Ask him to help setting the table. At the age of 5, this should be enough.
Sorry I’m not very discipline orientated myself. 
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
good advice from khatti in this matter.
I had noor picking up her toys as soon as she could crawl and drag them along…
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
Hayeee Khatti, I am so glad you are not my mom
but I like the idea of doing it to my own kids…evil laugh
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
My boys had a playdate at a friends house afterschool last week. When i went to go pick them up, the mom was like “I can’t believe your kids, they take their shoes off as soon as they get inside and line them up neatly by the door with their backpacks…mine just kick them off down the hall”
I was inwardly thinking “yea, because they know if they try to pull that crap, their desi amma will be standing right behind them with the shoe in her hand waiting to strike”
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
Nice thread and replies 
My 3 year old helps me set the table. She calls it “time to help”. She also helps me carry the laundry and puts her toys back in their boxes. I consider those chores.
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
great thread. I ask my 21 month old to pick up toys and put away his books but he will do one or two or even sometimes will find a new toy in the basket that needs to be played with so its a constant battle with him. Sometimes, honestly, I just let it go and do it myself but I think I need to be consistent like khatti and stopit shared.
he loves to hold the vacuum cord and walk right behind me.. he thinks he is being helpful but I think its because he enjoys that. I tried folding the laundry with him but boy that took forever so I never did it again. I need to learn to be patient with him. 
Re: Right Age to Introduce Chores
Muzna you are super mom mA!! even ammi says quiet often, ‘Noor bouht kum kardi aah’ lolz
and I still remember the ‘luddo ki goutt khoo jayee gii’ daant to her when she was such a tiny little thing