Children's chores.

[farmerlor]

My kids started doing chores before they could walk. First I carried them around while we picked up their toys and then we crawled around together and picked up toys and then we toddled around and picked up toys. By the time they went to school they were responsible for their own toys, taking their dishes from the table to the kitchen and scraping them and bringing me their dirty laundry.
Right now:
Mikey (7 with many physical handicaps)-is responsible for making his bed, cleaning up his room, scraping plates and helping to feed the animals.
Annie (7)-helps me with unloading the dishwasher, makes her bed, cleans her room, scrapes plates and helps to feed the animals.
DJ (9)-TRASH BOY, Cleans the kid bathroom, cleans his room, scrapes plates, cleans up outside.
Rissa (12)-Feeds the horses, cleans her room, cleans up the kitchen, cleans her bathroom, cleans her room and helps her dad with a lot of the heavy chores as she's built like a little linebacker. Rissa made dinner almost every night while I was sick and recovering.
Winnie (14-globally delayed)-Feeds the chickens, folds the laundry, sweeps the floors, cleans her bedroom.

 

[abifae]

Wildsky, definitely be sure to use TONS of praise when they do do what they are told. I've found it can all the difference in the world in my son's behavior.

very true!!! we are social creatures and more motivated by praise than anything

 

[urban dreamer]

Although I don't have children myself, I remember what it was like to be a child. Always, no matter how much they try your nerves, tell them you love them. "I love you." was a phrase my mother and father never learned and it haunts me to this day.