Being a parent with a busy schedule isn’t easy, especially if that parent is raising the kids alone. It’s hard to balance taking care of kids, having a career, maintaining finances, and everything else that is necessary to sustain a household. Family members have to contribute their time and effort in order to keep the household running smoothly. When families work together, life is easier for everyone. Mom or dad certainly can’t do it alone.
The first step to attaining a smooth-running single parent household is the assignment of duties to family members. Even the youngest children can perform simple duties to help out. Preschoolers can be taught to pick up their toys, throw away trash, and empty wastepaper baskets. If children are expected to do these things as soon as they are old enough, they will have an understanding of the importance of cooperation. They will also be more likely to help out without being asked as they grow and mature.
Younger school-age children are capable of setting the table, feeding pets, drying dishes, emptying the dishwasher, dusting, and picking up after themselves. They should be given a list of weekly chores in which they are expected to complete within a specific timeframe.
Older children can help entertain younger siblings, wash dishes, pull weeds, rake leaves, sweep, vacuum, and help with laundry. They should also be expected to pick up after themselves and maintain a clean room. As soon as they are old enough to do these chores, they should be expected to do them on a regular basis.
Teenage children are capable of all of the aforementioned duties as well as meal preparation, bathroom cleaning, kitchen cleaning, floor washing, and lawn mowing. Although this sounds like a lot of work, these duties can be shared with siblings of similar age as well as with the parent.
As children become older and more capable, household chores can be passed on. Duties that were once required of older children should be handed down at the appropriate time. Have the older children instruct their younger siblings in the right way to accomplish these tasks. They are wonderful teachers and role models for younger brothers and sisters.
This plan sounds simple, but it’s not always easy to get family members to do what is expected of them. Make it clear that certain privileges will be taken away unless the required tasks are completed. Favorite toys and activities can be used as an incentive as well. Put what is expected of them in writing, and have them mark off the duties as they have been completed.
Not all parents believe in or are financially able to hand out weekly allowances. Children should contribute to the family without expecting monetary compensation, but they should be given extra time and attention for a job well done. One idea is to hand out weekly tokens or coupons that can be exchanged for time spent at a local park or turned in for special one-on-one time spent with a parent. This time could be spent playing a favorite board game, tossing a ball around, taking a walk, or going out for a special treat. Quality time is the most valuable incentive of all.
Making children accountable for daily and weekly chores will give them a sense of responsibility that will help mold them into dependable adults. It will give them a sense of worth and a feeling of pride when they are rewarded with the greatest payment of all – your thanks, praise, and special attention.
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