Doing chores together is a great way to bond, and it also helps make the kids independent. Knowing how to do all their chores is essential for them to live their adult lives without depending on anyone. It is our job to teach them all the things that they are going to need to be fully functioning adults.
As your kids get older, they can take on tougher tasks in all the chores like cooking, cleaning, and maintenance. For example, when they are young, you let them peel and mix things in the kitchen, but as they grow old, they can be allowed to cut, dice, and chop. Tasks that might not be fun but provide a certain amount of satisfaction are the options you need to think about when it comes to teenagers.
To get your teenage kids into the habit of assisting with chores, you have to figure out which ones they have always loved to do and then increase the complexity in the said chores. Also, start assigning them duties that they have always avoided because when they move out, they won’t have the luxury of you helping them with the chores they do not like to do.
Here are some tasks you can let them handle:
1. Prepare a Meal or a Snack
You can task them with preparing one of the meals like say breakfast, or if they have never been interested in cooking, then start them off with making snacks.
2. Sweep and Mop the Floor
Sweeping the floor should be an easy enough task for them. Tell them to sweep under the furniture and not forget the corners when they do so. After they have done sweeping, they can easily mop the floor. Both tasks are similar and do not require special skills.
3. Vacuum the Carpet
After they are done sweeping and moping that leaves the carpeted areas of the house, vacuuming the carpet is one of the easiest things they can do. When they were younger, handling the vacuum cleaner could have been an issue, now they shouldn’t have a problem with it.
4. Dust Surfaces
Dusting the surfaces is an integral part of the cleaning routine. While some people do it daily, others do it once in a week. This depends on the area you live in and the amount of dust that settles in your house. Ask them to dust the furniture, shelves, books on open bookshelves, and windowsills. If the dust is settled for a long time, tell them to wipe it with a damp rag.
5. Rake Leaves
Raking leaves can be tiring but a fun task. Seeing all the leaves in a pile and the yard clean gives them an immediate result and instant satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Asking them to help around the house lets them know how much work it needs to run a home smoothly. Kids learn gratitude and learn the skill themselves. You also get some help with the chores. It is a win-win!
