PARENTING TIP:    

1.  When spending time with your child, whether it be 5 minutes or 3 hours, always take the time to label what you are   doing with them. 

For example:  Putting your child to bed at night, "Johnny, this is our time together".  "I won't let anyone stop our conversation."  or Driving in the Car, "Susan, this is our special time."  "We can talk about whatever you want, without anyone bothering us."

2.  Children of all ages need to learn responsiblity.  Assigning chores for your children to be responsible for will help to build self-esteem and learn independence. 

AGE APPROPRIATE RESPONSIBLITIES

3-4 year-olds                                         4-5 year-olds

Brushing teeth                                                     Help set/clear table of unbreakables

Put dirty clothes in laundry                                Water plants

Match socks                                                        Feeding pets

Put clean clothes away with assist.                 Get the mail/newspaper with super.

Help pick up room and toys                             Wash and dry plastic dishes

Help Load dishwasher with safe items

6-8 year-olds                                         9-12 year-olds

Clean own room                                                 All personal hygiene

Take care of most personal hygiene                Polish furniture

Help fold and sort laundry                                 Prepare parts of meal.

Make beds                                                            Do some laundry

Put away groceries                                             Help with yard work

Set and clear tables                                            Help cleaning pool

Wash and dry dishes (not sharps)                    Vacuum carpet

Take out garbage                                                Mop floors

Sweep floors                                                        Prepare own snacks

Help with grocery shopping

Purchase clothing with assistance

Clean the garage

Washing car

13-15 year-olds                                     16 years plus

Baby-sitting                                                        Do outside jobs for money

Mowing lawns                                                    Plan and prepare meals

Clean windows                                                  Travel with supervision

Help with heavy cleaning                                 Take care of all clothing needs

Do own laundry                                                Help care for the automobiles

Do some ironing                                               Plan higher education goals

Budget own money

Shop for own clothing

Do neighborhood jobs

Do small repairs

Prepare some meals

HOMEWORK TIP: