Developing Life Skills: A Guide to Assigning Age-Appropriate Chores for Older Kids and Teens

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As children grow older, it becomes increasingly essential to learn to take care of themselves and contribute to the household. One way to do this is by assigning them age-appropriate chores. Not only does this teach them essential life skills such as responsibility and time management, but it also helps them to be more self-sufficient and contribute to the household.

This article will discuss ten chores suitable for older kids and teens, including laundry, meal preparation, housekeeping, grocery shopping, yard work, pet care, budgeting, car maintenance, time management, and community service. By incorporating these tasks into their daily routine, parents can help their children develop important skills that will serve them well in the future.

1. Make Them Do The Laundry

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Teaching older kids and teens how to do their own laundry is an essential life skill. They should know how to sort clothes, use the washing machine and dryer, and properly fold and put away their clean clothes.

2. Teach Them Meal Preparation

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Children can be taught to cook simple meals and snacks as they get older. This leads them to how to be self-sufficient and helps with meal planning and budgeting.

3. Train Them On Housekeeping

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Older kids and teens should learn how to tidy their bedrooms and common areas. This includes making their beds, dusting, vacuuming, and keeping the kitchen clean.

4. Send Them Grocery Shopping

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Teens should learn to plan and make a grocery list, compare prices, and make healthy choices. This is also an excellent way for them to learn about budgeting and meal planning.

5. Let Them Help With Yard Work

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Older kids and teens should learn to care for the yard and garden. This includes mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and tending to the garden.

6. Assign Them Pet Care

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If the family has pets, older kids and teens should be responsible for feeding, walking, and grooming them. This teaches them responsibility and how to care for living creatures.

7. Teach Them Budgeting

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Teaching older kids and teens about budgeting is an essential life skill. They should learn how to manage their money, make a budget, and save for their future.

8. Let Them Do The Car Maintenance

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Teens should learn how to check and maintain their car, including checking oil and tire pressure and how to fill up the gas tank.

9. Let Them Learn Time Management

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Older kids and teens should learn how to manage their time effectively. This includes setting priorities, making a schedule, and meeting deadlines.

10. Make Them Participate In Community Service

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Encourage older kids and teens to get involved in community service. This can include volunteering at a local shelter, helping at a community center, or participating in a charitable event. Not only does it help the community, but it also teaches them about giving back and being good citizens.