Kids Chores - Setting a Table and Putting Toys Away

Kids chores can begin with children as young as four or five years old. Setting a table, putting their toys away or making their bed is a great way to start. If you are not sure how to go about it here are some tips that were successful in our home.

Setting A Table

I bought a place mat and drew the places of where the cup, cutlery and plate go on it.

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It is our sonâ€™s responsibility to use the place mat as a reference when he sets the table. First, it makes setting the table a fun activity and second, it allows him to set the table independently without asking "where does the knife go?

The table place setting works well but not every single time. When he is not in the mood to help and avoids his chore my answer is:

"When you will finish setting the table, we will be able to it." It is one of those natural consequences.

You might say why bother? It is faster when I do things myself. The point is not to get things done faster but to take the time and teach children that their contribution counts. That we (as parents and as a society) depend on them. Together we are a team and any contribution big or small is necessary for the next step to take place.

Here is a simple yet great commercial that shows this beautifully:

Putting Toys Away

The key is to label every toy space. Tell your child that everything has a home. Second, stick to your rules and give your child a logical consequence if they do not respect the clean up rule.

Once your child is well aware of your expectations help them by showing them that clean up can be a fun activity. Sing a song and make a game out of it.

Here is a cute video about the FUN theory