New Year’s Resolutions For The Whole Family

BACK TO BASICS | by KAVITA VARMA-WHITE

SOLO NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS MAY BE GOOD FOR YOU, but they do nothing to help your daily battles with laundry, housecleaning and meal prep. Why not make this New Year’s resolution a family affair that teaches responsibility and results in a little help around the house? Call it the All Hands on Deck resolution and assign chores for everyone from toddlers to teens.

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Keep in mind:

• Have realistic expectations.
• Make a chore chart so everyone stays focused to the tasks at hand.
• Be chore role models.
• Consider rewards (for a job well done) and consequences (for jobs undone).

We like these chore suggestions (adapted from About.com and Workingmom.com) because they remind us of kids’ developmental levels.

Ages 2-3: May need help completing tasks, but they get used to the idea of helping out like other members of the fam. Tasks: Pick up toys and books. Fold washcloths and hand towels. Match socks. Carry laundry to laundry room.

Ages 4-5: Love to be treated like big kids and can do all the chores toddlers can, plus added responsibilities. Tasks: Clear and set table. Put away forks and spoons. Sort laundry into color piles. Put away folded laundry.

Ages 6-9: Here’s where the grumbling might begin, so  make them feel independent. Tasks: Take care of pet. Vacuum. Take out trash. Set table. Clear table. Fold, put away laundry.

Ages 9-12: Can take on tasks that require more time., but they expect to be rewarded. Tasks: Wash car. Clean mirrors, kitchen counters. Do dishes. Operate washing machine and dryer. Light yard work.

Ages 13 and above: Can handle most tasks that adults can, but time-management reminders. Tasks: Mow lawn. Change bed sheets. Prepare meals. Wash windows. Clean bathrooms. Shovel snow.