<![CDATA[Do your children do any housework?]]>Hello everyone


Do your children do housework? If yes, what are the chores they do?
I have been wondering about this for a while, ever since someone commented that my kids are doing too much housework and they have less time for work and play ๐Ÿ˜›
I scratched my head and asked DH, who said, \"You want to do everything, is it?!\" No help there, so I went around asking friends, and to my amazement, most of their kids do not lift a finger to help out at home. Now, I do realise that many families have one or more domestic helpers, so there is no need for their kids to do anything. Nevertheless, are your children expected to do any chores?

We do not have a domestic helper, so DH and I make a conscious decision that everyone has to help out.
Here are the chores that my older kids (6yo and 4yo) do:
- make their beds
- sweep/vaccum their bedrooms
- pack up when done with toys/books/art material etc
- do their own laundry
- fold and put away clean clothes
- set the dining table before meals
- clear the table after meals
- clean up any general mess they make, e.g. spilled drinks etc
- help to wash our cars and simple gardening, e.g. weeding
The 2.5yo only manages to make his bed and tidy his room; we're working on the rest ๐Ÿ˜„ .

Do these sound too much? I am starting to worry that I sound like Cinderella's wicked stepmother!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/6070/do-your-children-do-any-houseworkRSS for NodeSat, 18 Apr 2026 13:34:16 GMTThu, 15 Oct 2009 16:54:39 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:45:03 GMT]]>I think each child is gifted differently one to another. It's a blessing for those who have children who could help with house cores but those whose don't.... please don't force them. They will...oneday... could do these works, even in my family, my DD could not do much about that but my DS start to cook his lunch or dinner every weekend since he was 8. At first we were quite worried ๐Ÿ™ of him being cut by knife or burned, but he is very carefull with that and he cooks more difficult menu from time to time.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/78716https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/78716Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:45:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:04 GMT]]>

clarabella:

The 2.5yo only manages to make his bed and tidy his room; we're working on the rest ๐Ÿ˜„ .
Wow clarabella, how does your 2.5 yo make his own bed? I'm training my nearly 2 yo now, but she can't fold the blanket yet.

Gotta ask the experts here, will asking kids to do too much tidying up at young age turn them into anally neat freaks? Cos my 23 mth old is constantly trying to pair and place ALL our shoes neatly. That's like 6-8 pairs of shoes. One time even discovered she had placed them in a near semi-circle by the door. Should I rejoice or be wary about her perfectionism?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/78712https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/78712Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:51:56 GMT]]>Go Mamas!


You are so clever! I tried n tried n tried end up in doing all the works by my own self.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/73974https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/73974Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:51:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:24 GMT]]>

kiasimom:
.......So next time if my kids offer to help, I will let them help out ๐Ÿ™‚

And most important not to stop them cos they will dislike doing it and will become lazy to do so in the future....

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/72812https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/72812Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:05:25 GMT]]>Hi 5 :celebrate: En, I think it runs a little in our blood eh and our kids caught on? I actually find doing housework therapeutic because we have to use our brains for work most of the time. So time spent on housework, the brain can take a break while the hands get to work. ๐Ÿ˜‰ The biggest satisfaction for me is when I see the outcome of my labour....so spick and span. :love: I can safely say that before having our kid, the home was a perfect haven for my dh, he loved it so much that he hardly wanted to leave it... ๐Ÿ˜‰


Now... :!: abit overcrowded with dd's stuff... :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70534https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70534Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:05:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:19:38 GMT]]>Hey ks2me. My ds is the same too. These days during weekend he will tell me no need to make him breakfast, he can do it himself. He's like me I guess. In secondary school, I sweep & mop the floor daily, wash and iron my own clothes (don't like my mum way of ironing my uniform), wipe my window weekly and the worst part I wipe the kitchen tiles and will want to see if I can see my reflection on the wall.


That is self direct. Not requested by my mother. Once my father on leave, saw me doing all these, he :?

I must be so free.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70527https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70527Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:19:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:24:33 GMT]]>My mum commented, \"your kid must have been a ไธซ็Žฏ in her past life\". Of course I don't believe in past life.


I don't enforce a routine except tell her, what's hers is her responsibility. Then her own personality drives the action. She understands what is flexibility in that her behaviour will adjust according to situation, ie, at home have maid, she can switch off in some areas, when no maid, she will get into action.

However, I am not sure if she will grow up the same if she finds out that majority of her friends do not do much at home. In school she is also the only one who has a need for order so she will take the initiative to put things right in class. Sometimes may cross over the line and tell teachers what to do... :roll:

When on holiday, probably overwhelmed with excitement and no maid around, she can get the breakfast ready and neaten up the room before daddy and mummy get up from bed.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70171https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70171Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:24:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:24:24 GMT]]>

Luvkid:
My 2 ds dun have a fixed housework routines. They will occasionally involve in the housework. Like helping to prepare/cook meals (for ds1),; recently ds2 gets very invovles with sweep n mop the floor. And one day he fell on his bums when mopping the floor. He didn't really cry, only complained the mop is \"naughty\". :lol: Whatever it is, I will just let them do it. Really got to close both eyes and not to blurt out any remarks. Yucks, which i just did it on Saturday & sunday morning. Cos ds1 trying his best to prepare the best breakfast for us. He heated up the wok, without putting oil, he \"heated\" the ham and chesse. U can imagine the smell and mess. After being scolded by me, sunday morning he \"Boiled\" the ham over the wok, and ended up still tried to \"fried\" carrots without putting oil again. Ya, i yelled and screamed. But in the end, apologised and appreciated his hard work and complimented \"It's nice!!\"

So next time if my kids offer to help, I will let them help out ๐Ÿ™‚

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70132https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70132Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:24:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:03:35 GMT]]>My 2 ds dun have a fixed housework routines. They will occasionally involve in the housework. Like helping to prepare/cook meals (for ds1),; recently ds2 gets very invovles with sweep n mop the floor. And one day he fell on his bums when mopping the floor. He didn't really cry, only complained the mop is \"naughty\". :lol: Whatever it is, I will just let them do it. Really got to close both eyes and not to blurt out any remarks. Yucks, which i just did it on Saturday & sunday morning. Cos ds1 trying his best to prepare the best breakfast for us. He heated up the wok, without putting oil, he \"heated\" the ham and chesse. U can imagine the smell and mess. After being scolded by me, sunday morning he \"Boiled\" the ham over the wok, and ended up still tried to \"fried\" carrots without putting oil again. Ya, i yelled and screamed. But in the end, apologised and appreciated his hard work and complimented \"It's nice!!\"


Most importantly, i learnt that having a fixed housework routine is good for children. However, if there isn't, like my case, let them do it occasionally and dun give bad comments or rejected their help.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70130https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70130Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:03:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:33:46 GMT]]>

BlueBells:
We have no domestic helper, so my 7 and 9 year old do:


1. their bedroom is their responsibility to keep it need and tidy, that includes their bed, clean laundry to pack, study table.

2. hand wash their own inner garments and hang them out to dry

3. pack their own school bags according to time table

4. place dirty laundry in the dirty laundry basket

5. sweep / magic clean their room (bonus if they do the rest of the house too, I am happy to keep one eye closed for 80% cleanliness as long as the kids help out)

6. pack away toys / boardgames after play

7. wash their own cups

8. clean the dining table on and off, and any spillage of food, etc.

9. they are also taught to make their own breakfast - milk, boiled eggs, bread, cereal.

10. We don't wash the car too often :oops: , but when we do, it is more of a family affair and water fun for all

My 9 year old is asking me to teach her how to iron, but I am not too comfortable with it yet ...
My children are as old as yours.
Just told my children how impressed I am with your children for doing housework.
DD replied,\" Don't compare, we are not maids.\"
My two children always say they are too busy with their schoolwork and too tired to help or simply too lazy to help.. :oops:
Hai, I am green with envy...good chilldren you have..

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70001https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/70001Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:33:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:10:00 GMT]]>Without a domestic helper, we need to self-helpโ€ฆ our kindergarden & primary children do their part:


- make their beds
- pack up when done with toys/books/art material etc
- put their own laundry in toilet for washing
- fold and put away clean clothes
- set the dining table before meals
- clear the table after meals
- clean up any general mess they make, e.g. spilled drinks etc
- sometimes make coffee/tea for the morning

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65766https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65766Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:10:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:18:20 GMT]]>

Funz:
I have a wonderfully efficient helper. Nothing against her, in fact I really appreciate her. But she does everything. I have told her time and again what I want the children to be doing themselves. Once, twice ok. But if I am not there to oversee it, everything will be done by her.
Funz, your helper is so reliable! I think it's probably understandable then that she will do what she perceives as her job. Also... perhaps she would be apprehensive that she may be dispensable if household chores are not 'exclusively' hers anymore...

Funz:
Just don't have the energy to nag the kids and explain to my helper all the time. So for now, I will be thankful if they can just complete the following tasks without me having to nag them into it.

1. wash up and shower
2. clear & pack their own bags (intend to drill it into DD since she will be in P1 next year)
3. keep their own toys and stuff (in the proper places, not just in any available place)
Yeah, nagging really takes a lot of energy! When my kiddos when younger, I nagged and nagged and nagged at them to do their chores. Eventually we figured out something that worked: a big wall chart with colour coded jobs for everyone. The chart became a visual reminder; I was most relieved to be done with the nagging!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65761https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65761Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:18:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:13:28 GMT]]>

clarabella:

[quote]When they get tired of clearing a
lot of mess, they make less mess.
๐Ÿ˜‰ Cos they're the ones who
still get to clean it up all over agn.
I think this is the nuggiest nugget of wisdom. Definitely worth remembering, for nagging my kids with when they make a mess![/quote]
I agree! That is why I stopped tidying up after sashimi and DD1, who both love to hoard and clutter their tables, etc. If they don't tidy up, they may not be able to find what they want/need later. Then, too bad....serves them right! http://www.msnrules.com/emoticons/onion/onion47.gif\">

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65759https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65759Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:13:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:44:24 GMT]]>

buds:
Here are the \"unseen benefits\" of the chores.
buds, you are the ultimate teacher!!! I had no idea there are so many benefits to doing chores!

[quote]When they get tired of clearing a
lot of mess, they make less mess.
๐Ÿ˜‰ Cos they're the ones who
still get to clean it up all over agn.[/quote]I think this is the nuggiest nugget of wisdom. Definitely worth remembering, for nagging my kids with when they make a mess![/quote]
[quote]>Fold and put away clean clothes
Fantastic activity to develop fine motor skills!
Especially if you get mummy like me who is
particular about it being all same size... all
smoothened... flattened... inside out... :evil:[/quote]Thank you! I thought I am the only one who is so particular about clothes! DH says I have an OCD about it, but I soooo enjoy looking at nicely hung/folded neat rows of clean clothes in the wardrobe and drawers, hehe.
[quote]Now, quite automatic so much so that when we're out
at people's homes ie. friends, relatives, gramma's... (etc)
people become paiseh they help to clean... they say
aiyah, it's okay you're guests so pls don't do... don't..
reali no need... it's ok.. :oops:[/quote]buds, I must :salute: your girls. Er, if I have guests like your girls, I may end up saying, thank you... thank you... oops, you missed out one spot, over there? :lol:
[quote]Recruit : Uhmm... and if it's not too
much to ask, sir... put noodle first or
the spices first.. SIR![/quote] :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65753https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65753Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:44:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:41:34 GMT]]>My 5yo & 7yo


1. change bedsheets
2. fold their clothes & keep in their wardrobe
3. bring the plates from dining table to kitchen basin after their meals

Thatโ€™s all !

Impossible to get them to keep their study desks or room clutter free. They are hoarders, junks get piled up in lightning speed, Iโ€™ve to throw away whenever they are in school. And Iโ€™m still packing their school bags!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65752https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65752Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:41:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:45:10 GMT]]>

watmekiasu:
I'm full of admiration for your kids. Helping out so much at such a young age. Unfortunately, mine does nothing except clean her own mess eg spillage and place her bowl, mug etc in ther sink after a meal.
watmekiasu (I like your nick!), erm, actually my kids have no choice... I am a very hard-hearted mother, and they know that I will not lift a finger to help them clean their rooms or even ensure they have clean uniforms to wear to school. :oops: Faced with the prospect of messy rooms, dirty clothes, and unwashed dishes stacked at their 'spots' at the dining table, they have learnt very quickly that it is easier to do the chores.

I think your daughter is already off to a good start by being responsible for cleaning up her own mess. ๐Ÿ˜„
EN:
Yes, my children aged 10 and 8 are required to do their part in keeping our house clean.
Hi EN, I think you and your kids are GREAT! Can't be easy to transition from having a helper to doing everything yourselves :salute: . It is very inspiring that they help out so much despite having homework, CCAs etc taking up time. I hope my kids will still be willing to do their chores when they are in primary school.
I forgot about school shoes! Thanks for the timely reminder, hee.
Seekinghelp:
If I were to ask my nephew to do all those things, he will definitely complain! He is slow in completing his homework even he's free, he will only want to play. How to get him to do the chores automatically?
Wow, Seekinghelp, you are a very nice aunt :). Well... I guess no kid will want to use his free time to do any chores... Free time = play time! Perhaps you can start with basic tasks, like making his own bed and folding his own clothes? Next time get him to help wash the car too ๐Ÿ˜‰
mrswongtuition:
He is turning 3 in Jan 2010 & so far he's able to:
- Tidy his own bed (place pillows neatly)
- Pick up his toys & put them into his toy box
- Help to wipe up any mess
- Help bring the dog for a walk
- Help to wash toilet (his fave)
- Use feather duster to dust shelves
mrswong, your little boy is impressive! He is a shining example for my 2yo - he even likes to wash the toilet! Must be VERY fun with all that water sloshing around hahaha.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65741https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65741Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:45:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:52:54 GMT]]>

csb:
I'm curious, what exactly does your 6yo for \"do his/her own laundry\"?

Hiya csb
Actually, doing the laundry is probably the easiest chore for my kids, because the washer does the job hahahahaha. It is straightforward for them; they sort their clothes into separate laundry baskets: whites, coloureds, socks etc etc, upon changing. At laundry time, they just need to put the contents in the washer, add powder and press the start button. They know how much washing powder to use based on the amount of laundry (I show them using different measuring spoons). Also, it helps that our washer is a front-loader and very easy to operate.
Then, when the washing is completed, they either hang the clothes on a drying rack, or toss into the dryer if it's a rainy day.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65735https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65735Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:52:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:24:30 GMT]]>Thank you, everyone, for your sharing. ๐Ÿ˜„

Phew! For a while I really thought we are expecting too much from our kids. It is GREAT to know there are so many like-minded parents out there!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65730https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65730Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:24:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:13:41 GMT]]>

Mum_2Gals:
Wow, your kids are so good! I have no helper, I AM the Maid ๐Ÿ˜ž

My K1 and N1 kids can only \"help\" to clean up their toys and bring their bowls/bottles/cups etc back to kitchen. They like to help me clean the floor with my Magiclean wiper ( I removed one portion so the length is just right for them). More for FUN though :lol: Well, seems like it's time to \"train\" them to do more ๐Ÿ˜„
MyDS2 (21mths) loves to clean the floor with my magiclean wiper. Sometimes he may fight with DD1 (6 yo). DD1 a bit lazy. Need some \"push\" to make her do house chores. ๐Ÿ˜ž

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65532https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65532Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:13:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:56:25 GMT]]>Oh, those were the days. I remember cooking a fish that had not been descaled and gutted, lol. But you know, because we are grown ups, we learn these life skills very fast and with little effort. Itโ€™s good to teach responsibilities early but I donโ€™t feel guilty about not teaching dd too many of these homeskills at her age of 9. I and most of my siblings didnโ€™t do any housework till our late teenage years (only a bit of mopping and cleaning) and we all turned out fine.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65522https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65522Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:56:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:34:27 GMT]]>It's good and easier to start teaching them when they are young. Little by little and not all at one go. Just to share what will happen if our kids grow up complacent and think that everything will be done for them.


I have a niece (cousinโ€™s dd) who won a scholarship to study civil engineering in France. The scholarship helps to cover the lodging, the fees and some basic necessities. Food wise, it is too expensive to eat out. So in order to survive she needs to cook her own food and does her own laundry. Sheโ€™s from a well to do family. Never cook, never do house work, nothing at all, so 1st year away from home, must be like a living nightmare for her. Parents do send over some money but not much considering ringgit convert to euro. But the mum did courier over loads of instant noodle and recipe for the child to learn how to cook. Guess, my niece learns the hard way to survive her first year. 2nd year on, sheโ€™s happier and well adjusted to her new living condition. Force to learn otherwise, how to survive her 5 years away parentsโ€™ cocoon.

I was posted to work overseas along with 6 other colleagues in their 20s and early 30s. We were given shared apartments (2 to each). Iโ€™ve got to make my round to teach them on how to use the washing machine. Once we wanted to take late dinner and realized that restaurants are all closed or not accepting any more diners (it was only 9.30pm), we decided to go back to the apartment to cook. A girl happily put a frozen nugget into the pan which oil has not been heated up yet.
:faint:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65489https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65489Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:34:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:54:09 GMT]]>We have no domestic helper, so my 7 and 9 year old do:


1. their bedroom is their responsibility to keep it need and tidy, that includes their bed, clean laundry to pack, study table.

2. hand wash their own inner garments and hang them out to dry

3. pack their own school bags according to time table

4. place dirty laundry in the dirty laundry basket

5. sweep / magic clean their room (bonus if they do the rest of the house too, I am happy to keep one eye closed for 80% cleanliness as long as the kids help out)

6. pack away toys / boardgames after play

7. wash their own cups

8. clean the dining table on and off, and any spillage of food, etc.

9. they are also taught to make their own breakfast - milk, boiled eggs, bread, cereal.

10. We don't wash the car too often :oops: , but when we do, it is more of a family affair and water fun for all

My 9 year old is asking me to teach her how to iron, but I am not too comfortable with it yet ...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65477https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65477Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:54:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:43:24 GMT]]>yes it is good to get kids to help. Very inspiring sharing over here! :celebrate:


I have a maid and DS is just 4 so not getting him to help much yet. Just:

- Clean up his mess if he make them.
- Take his bowl and spoon back to the kitchen after he finish eating
- Help us put the groceries away and the put the plastic bag in the designated place
- keep his toys and books with our help when he is done

Actually, I feel that young children naturally want to help so it is good to get them use to it while they are interested.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65474https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65474Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:43:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do your children do any housework? on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:14:07 GMT]]>Hi Smurf,


hee, I think I am guilty of that too! :oops: On one hand, complain that kids don't help, yet at times will tell them not to help! cos it'll give me more work to do! I guessed it's more about teaching them to do the work in the \"right\" way, maybe \"่ถŠๅธฎ่ถŠๅฟ™\" now, but will be a great help in future. ๐Ÿ˜„ Thought K1 & N1 too young to help much, but guessed I'm wrong. Must learn from the experts here.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65453https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/65453Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:14:07 GMT