Chores

I'm a big believer in kids doing chores but I'm also a big believer in letting them play.  For quite some time they have all taken part in putting away their laundry, picking up their toys, sweeping the kitchen, handling their dishes, and emptying the dishes they can reach in the dishwasher. They also get the mail, help with the groceries, and the boys take the trash to the curb and bring it back after pick up.  At this age I feel that's enough for their contribution but in looking ahead at needs I might have, things I want to teach them, and giving them an allowance, we have learned a lot more around here recently.  In addition to the chores above they have all learned to do the following things (or the portion of those things according to their size)

Completely unload the dishwasher and put 100% of it away, 

Load the dishwasher, 

Empty the trash around the house,

Sort laundry, 

Load the washer, 

Load and start the dryer, 

Fold all the laundry and put a bunch of it away, 

Vacuum the house, 

Do some light mopping, 

Wipe down bathroom counters, 

Do a little dusting.

I don't expect them to do things perfectly but they need to do their best according to their ability and they are doing a great job!  They will not be required to do all these things every week but it will sure be helpful when I need it, especially towards the end of being pregnant and after the baby comes.  When we all work together we can knock all the house cleaning out in not much more than an hour!

Kylie even made dinner the other night in the crock pot!