As parents we can teach our children life living skills by the simple duties that arise at home.
From a very early age, children can be a "helping" member of the family unit. This requires parents to be patience, creative, and use structure while teaching new work habits to their little ones. If you have younger children, preschool to 6 years, here are 18 home work assignments they can work towards accomplishing.

1. Make bed. Decorate it with favorite stuffed animals and pillows. (Be sure to show daddy!)

2. Put toys back on shelf, in toy box, or in closet.

3. Hang clothes on low hooks inside closet.

4. Dust room. (You'll find "Swiffer Dusters" are received with much delight and enthusiasm.)

5. Empty wastebaskets from each room into kitchen garbage can.

6. Help carry out garbage, recyclables, or newspapers.

7. Keep towel and toothbrush in proper places.

8. Sort laundry into whites and colored piles for the washer. Using a large laundry basket divided into two parts is a fun and organized way for children to sort dirty clothes as they take them off.

9. Help wash, fold and put away clothes. Hiding an "I love you" note in daddy's t-shirt drawer will put a smile on dad's face and love in your child's heart.

10. Help in the kitchen, cook simple food. Set out party plates and cups, streamers, and banners to make a member of the family feel extra special. Make it a celebration of love towards that honored family member.

11. Set the dinner table.

12. Clear dishes from the table, especially daddy's first! Have your child serve daddy with enthusiasm and royal honor. (If mommy isn't excited about daddy, children won't be either ~ make it fun honoring daddy!)

13. After dinner clean up - This task includes putting leftovers in the refrigerator, rinsing dishes and putting them in the dishwasher.

14. Feed family pets.

15. Water indoor plants, have your child use a measuring cup and instruct on how much to give each plant.

16. Help carry and put away groceries.

17. Help wash and vacuum the vehicle.

18. Yard work - water garden, pull weeds, and rake leaves.

Three simple steps on how to teach a child a new chore:
1st ~ do it for them by showing how to do it. 2nd ~ work together instructing them a little more. 3rd ~ allow your child to try it all their own. A child's work is sloppy at first, but they should get lots of praise and hugs for doing their best. In the beginning, it's not the quality of work that counts but rather an eager heart to please! Quality will follow soon enough.

Successful Cottage Industries for Children 7 Yrs & Up

Train Up Children has now made available a fun filled unit study. Go to the Ant, Thou Sluggard, this 3 week lesson plan is sure to help a child avoid the lazy man's trap. ( Lesson plan is adjustable for children ages 4 - 8 years old. )