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Think about it – unless your child moves from Mother to willing partner in one step, the chances are that there will be a period in their lives when they will need to live independently. During this time, they will need the basic skills of cooking, cleaning and washing and ironing just to survive! Like any skill, it is easier to teach your children in their formative years. Many grown men still suffer the occasional bout of “dirt blindness”, and a full blown allergy to domestic chores is not uncommon.

Helping out is good for you kids for the following reasons:

• it makes them feel useful, and increases self esteem
• if everyone in the household has their own chores to do, it encourages a sense of belonging, teamwork and working as a family unit
• encourages independence
• allows them to work with and alongside you and provides opportunities for conversation and bonding
• teaches the basic life skills before they leave home
• gives you a chance to praise their efforts and offer encouragement

So what sort of things should they be doing?

Any age from toddler up Help to wash the car. Put little ones in old clothes or a waterproof suit, give them a sponge and let the fun begin! (You may have to wash it yourself afterwards again) More than anything at this age they just love to watch you and be involved.

Age 3+ Tidy away toys, put dirty clothes in laundry basket, help put the shopping away

Age 4+ As above plus sorting clothes for a wash, helping make salads and simple snacks, setting the table with non-breakable items

Age 5+ Basic food preparation, weighing and measuring, peeling vegetables, making own bed

Age 7+ Clearing the table, loading and unloading the dishwasher, drying dishes by hand.Feeding pets, helping clean out and care for pets.

Age 10+ Should now be capable of preparing a simple meal such as pasta with bottled sauce.

Remember to follow simple safety rules with all chores, especially in the kitchen. See the article “Kids in the Kitchen” for more detail. But as a mimimum,

• keep sharp knives out of reach
• teach awareness of things that get hot and STAY hot in the kitchen
• supervise until you feel that your child is able to complete a task safely.