Housework – Children and Tidying Up

Published by Dominika
Created:
26. 8. 2021
Updated:
27. 9. 2023

Tidying up after your child — when they’re perfectly capable of doing it themselves — is problematic on a few levels. One, it’s creating more work for you. Two, you are teaching your child to need someone to do it for him – irresponsibility. Chores give kids the basic skills and knowledge necessary to maintain a home and household. Besides that, research from the University of Minnesota found that doing chores from the age of three is the best predictor for having a good education, a solid career, and healthy relationships with family and friends in adulthood.

Marie’s Kondo 4 Tips for Tidying With Kids

1. Narrate as You Tidy

As you tidy, explain to your children what you’re doing so they can learn from you. Try to convey that tidying is part of maintaining a comfortable home. If they see their parents tidying regularly with a smile, children will think of tidying as a positive everyday activity.

2. Make Tidying Playful

Show your children that tidying and playing go together. When children are around one year old and can begin to walk, encourage them to put their belongings away after play.

3. Give Everything a Home

Children’s toys seem to multiply and quickly become scattered throughout the house. Designate a set location where each of these toys will be kept and make sure your children are aware of where their toys belong. Then they can assist you with putting away their own toys.

4. Respect Spatial Limitations

Once you establish a place for your children’s belongings, you can see the finite space that you have to accommodate new toys – or practical things like wipes and diapers. Recognizing that this space is limited will keep your home from being overtaken by your children’s belongings.

^{Source of Marie’s Top 4 Tips: konmari.com}

💡 TIP N.1: Marie Kondo – Tidying with toddlers

Montessori – Housework by Age

Maria Montessori (1870–1952), a doctor and pedagogue, founded the Montessori Educational System, which recommends dividing housework according to the age of the children in each family. This system emphasizes the individuality and independence of the child. The Montessori system prefers a non-authoritative approach, strengthening self-confidence and a child’s sense of security, but also responsibility and ability to learn naturally in life.

The ideal start for incorporating a child into the housework system is to schedule housework and learn practical skills. We have put together a Montessori schedule for you so you know the children’s work based on age.

2-3 years

put toys in a box
stack books on a shelf
take clothes to a dirty laundry basket
throw trash (in the trash)
carry a few sticks of wood
fold the towels
serve the table
bring diapers and wet wipes
wipe dust off in low places

4-5 years

feed the pet
wipe up spilled milk or water
put away toys
make a bed
clean room
water flowers
prepare a simple snack
use a hand-held vacuum cleaner
clean the kitchen table
wipe, sort cutlery and clean dishes
disinfect the handles

6-7 years

take the rubbish out
fold the towels
sweep the floor
put away dishes from the dishwasher
pair socks
help in the garden
peel potatoes, carrots, cucumbers
prepare a salad
add toilet paper

8-9 years

fill the dishwasher with dishes
wash, hang and fold clean clothes
wipe off dust
sweep
wipe
unload the grocery
make fried eggs/sausages
take dog for the walk
wash the table
clean room to A to Z

10-11 years

wash the bathroom
vacuum
wash the worktop in the kitchen
clean kitchen cabinets
prepare simple food
mow the lawn
bring mail from your inbox
take the trash to the bin

from 12 years

wipe the floors
replace bulbs
wash and vacuum the car
paint the walls
shop by list
cook a full meal
bake cake
handle simple home repairs
clean the windows
iron
take care of younger siblings

Housework – Children and Tidying Up