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At what age do you think that kids should start contributing to household chores? Would you be surprised to know that experts recommend that children be exposed to and be expected to perform chores at a very early age. Kids of all ages can and should be taught by their parents the value of organizing and cleaning up after themselves. If parents teach them in an age-appropriate, structured way, these skills and values that will stick with them throughout their lives and help them to be successful.

Parents can teach their kids by establishing regular routines for other things, like bedtimes, meals and chores. Kids will soon learn what is expected of them and it won't seem like work to them. If you have multiple kids, you can even assign tasks according to their ages. In my home, we use the "Mom Can I Help Around the House" chore system that I designed for my clients, then developed into a How-to workbook and chore binder for kids. The idea is really simple. Each of my kids has a personalized chore binder assigned to them. Each chore is printed on individual chore cards based so they understand what they need to do. They are expected to complete their chores between Friday after school through Sunday at noon. Each of my kids learns to manage their time, set goals, experience the satisfaction of accomplishing a task and are praised for their efforts. All without my having to "nag" them!

Here are some chores your children can do for their specific age group:

Kids under 6 should be able to do these chores:

-Pick up their toys.

-Hang up coats and put shoes away.

-Set the dinner table.

-Bring their dishes to the sink

Kids over 6 can (and should) help with:

-Sorting,starting and sorting laundry

-Clear the table and put away items after meals and help with washing dishes.

-Help with caring for pets.

-Vacuum, dust, and many more home responsibilities

As your children grow, add responsibilities to your children(s)' chore folder that include more steps and instructions. Be sure to praise them along the way and give them every opportunity to succeed.

Keep in mind that you're not doing them any favors if you follow behind your children and correct their work. In the real world, this won't be done for them. Give them real-world exposure by providing feedback and have them correct less than acceptable work. This teaches them, above all else, a sense of responsibility and accomplishment for a job well done.

You will be able to maintain a cleaner home when you delegate age-appropriate chores and your children will have learned valuable skills that will last a lifetime.