There are many lawn and garden tasks that I have to do when tending the garden. I get the kids involved by explaining the importance of each step.
The kids enjoy some chores more than others. They especially enjoy watering. My youngest will happily water the strawberry patch, the onions and me. Once they get older, they can get in the habit of wanting to do their own thing, but they have a chore. My oldest gets to turn the hose on and off. She does sometimes water.
Taking care of the garden also involves other chores like weeding. Weeding is important because it allows the free growth of the plant you are trying to grow. Weeds can choke the growth of vegetables and flowers. They can also bring in pests at times.
The kids are involved with picking up the grass after we have mowed. We pick up the grass so that it does not bunch in piles and kill the underlying grass. The kids enjoy picking the grass and moving it to our designated spot. They also enjoy throwing it on Mom.
Come autumn the kids will also have leaves to rake up. Last year we didn't rake the leaves and they sat all winter long. The kids saw the piles once the winter thaw hit and that they killed the grass in certain areas. We once again learned an important lesson. Even though some chores aren't as fun, they are always necessary.
 | Household chores for kids can help encourage responsibility, independence and confidence, build self-esteem and help a child feel like a valuable member of the family. |
 | Family chore charts empower children by showing them the important role they play in maintaining a home. This can make it easier to get those chores done. |
 | A household chore list shows how everyone contributes. Combined with some motivational strategies, a chore list can help to keep your household running smoothly. |
If parents expect kids to pitch in with chores, they instill good values about work and responsibility. In fact, maybe letting your toddler make a sandwich or fold socks is the first building block of a better world. |
It is extremely important that we teach our children personal responsibility. After all, we want them to understand, fully and completely, that they are an important and productive part of the family system. |
