Today is another muggy and drizzly day in the south of Tasmania, and it just so happens to be a public holiday here. The perfect day it turns out for colouring in for the kids, cooking, some sewing, reading a good book and of course housework.

I haven’t done much housework the last few days, I’m still trying to get into the habit of having one day a week where I do it all (preferably not on the weekend). Anyway, among my list to do was the vacuuming and I suddenly thought to myself…get the kids to do it.

I have to say I felt a little guilty asking, but why? Why shouldn’t kids take on some chores?

My kids have to keep their rooms tidy, generally pick up their toys and things, take out the rubbish, feed the dogs occasionally and every now and then dust (what they can reach). Now, at 6 and 8 I don’t think these jobs are too hard or expecting too much from them. I know families that their kids do lots of jobs and some that do very little or no jobs about the house.

My kids were very capable with the vacuum, and did a great job and it got me thinking what else they may now be capable of helping out with around the house. Let face it, most of the mess comes from them (or the dogs).

I’m not talking about lugging all my responsibilities onto them and hoping for the best. In our house my hubby helps out too and its wonderful, we were both brought up doing chores or helping with the cleaning, learning responsibility and value. For me, I was actually responsible for keeping the bathroom (not the toilet) tidy; mum would do the proper clean, but I would wipe down the basin and bath weekly.

I never minded and I’m a big advocate for kids learning the importance of earning pocket money rather than just being given it. So there may be a few changes around my house. I think I will talk to the kids about earning more pocket money in a jobs for money roster, rather than helping out generally and getting a few dollars a week. Finding time for them to help out will be the juggle, around all their sports and commitments.

There will be that feeling of guilt for me to get over (sure it wont be too hard), but I’m sure the help around the house will be nice.

Do your kids do chores? or if they are bubs, do you plan on them doing chores?

What chores do your kids do around the house? I’d love to hear in the comments below.