Chores are a fantastic way to teach our kids responsibility, work ethic, and build a helpful spirit. On today's episode Morgan is talking about why chores are important and how you can practically add chores to your household at any age and stage.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

This time-honored Proverb of course applies to our children's spiritual journey, but I believe it also applies to so many other things, reminding us parents of how what we teach our kids now will be what they carry with them for a lifetime.

WHY CHORES?

What chores can teach your kids:

• responsibility
• work ethic
• empowerment
• independence
• autonomy
• a servant's/helpful spirit

2 QUESTIONS THAT HAVE CHANGED EVERYTHING!

"See a need; fill a need."

"If not now, when? If not you, who?"

Harvard study on the importance of chores

AGE APPROPRIATE CHORES:

PRE-SCHOOL (AGES 2-4)

• pick up toys, put in bins
• put away books
• help put away silverware from the dishwasher (if plastic of course)

SCHOOL-AGE (AGES 5-8)

• make bed
• put away clothes
• set or clear dinner table
• sweep

TWEEN (AGES 9-12)

• start training them on how to do their own laundry
• clean room
• bathroom (toilets included)
• mow the lawn
• pull weeds

TEEN (AGES 13+)

• same as all the ages above
• vacuum/mop
• meal prep
• THE GOAL OF THIS AGE GROUP IS TO TEACH LIFE SKILLS AND TIME MANAGEMENT.

DO YOU PAY?

This truly you can do how you like and what works best for you and your family. Also, don't be afraid to pivot if one payment way isn't working.

• PRE-SCHOOL AGE - visual chore charts, sticker charts and treasure boxes are great at these little ages.

some ideas:

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• SCHOOL AGE - we have a chore chart and pay a quarter a chore, but again, you can do something different, this is just an idea.
• TWEEN - at this age an allowance may be a good way to do your pay system. Encourage saving and giving.
• TEEN - I love the idea of paying your teen like you would at a job. Once a week and no loans. This is the age to encourage and instill good money management.

Disclaimer: again, you can make this totally your own and create different systems that work for your household. The ultimate goal here is to raise up responsible, hard-working, independent adults!

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