smallthunder said:
Hi --
I have drafted the text for a children's book -- almost against my will, really -- and now I need some input regarding the possible age of the protagonist.
At what age would you have -- or did you have -- your child(ren) take on house-hold chores?
In particular, at what age would cleaning the bath-tub be an appropriate chore?
Thanking you in advance for your input --
Bathtub...9 or 10, depending on the kid. The cleaning substances are dangerous if they get it in their eye or mouth...and expensive, too, if they use too much.
My kids are 14, 11 and 4 (though the last two remind me that they turn older in March).
The older two are responsible for:
* cleaning their own rooms
* sorting their laundry and putting it away once washed
* cleaning "their" bathroom (the girl has the upstairs, the boy the downstairs half-bath)
* feeding/watering the dog OR taking out trash (they switch every month)
* the boy scoops the dog poop and the girl dusts
The youngest is responsible for:
* cleaning his toys up
* feeding the cats
* helping with his laundry (more of an exposure thing, really)
All are responsible for spot pick-ups as requested and the older two will either set or clear the table for dinner and occasionally do dishes (we have a dishwasher, so it's not that much work).
For all of that, they get slave wages...the older two get $20/month allowance and the youngest gets $10/month. Of course, half is mandated to go into savings...and if the other half is subject to fines if they don't do their chores.
Ultimately, it's about teaching them a little responsibility and how to share in the work load, and building some work ethic and money management...and it is just a little bit about me not having to scoop the poop anymore (I still mow and we all pitch in on the shoveling of the snow).