to expect my DC's to help around the house?

[cat88]

Yes i know its the Easter holidays and I want to enjoy the time with the DC however it is really hard getting them to help around the house. Am I expecting too much? DC1 is 7 DC2 is 5 and they are asked to clear up the floors of their rooms and try and keep them tidy.

DC3 is now 14 months and running around the place putting everything in her mouth. Therefore i want her older siblings to tidy up and not leave beads, kirby grips, crafty stuff lying around where she can get it, especially downstairs. I am constantly picking up after them. Oh also they have to help set and clear the table but thats about it.

AIBU? Does anyone else have difficulties getting their DC's to help around the house? What do they do to help? Am i expecting too much?

[ArmyDad]

Good luck. It's easier to heard cats than convince my kids to do anything. Of course my DW is a pushover and threats are rarely followed up on.

[Fairylea]

The 5 year old I'd expect to keep reminding and doing it for her to be honest. The 7 year old not so much. But they are still quite young to be honest.

Maybe I'm a push over but I don't really expect my dc to do any serious tidying up until about 10ish. Otherwise I just end up doing it myself anyway as they haven't done it well enough!

[Artandco]

Not at all. Mine are 2 and 4 and I expect them to Keep floor clear etc.

They tidy up play things before lunch and before bed if its been used ( with our help)

Dirty Clothes go in basket not on floor

They put dirty cups etc above dishwasher

That's it on average but it's ingrained into them as they have been doing since crawling age. Ie we would help them plae bricks in toy box, from months old. Same with laundry by about 12-18 months we would show them where it went and put most in and they would put a sock in or something and gradually progressed so now when they take clothes off it's automatic to put in

[ArmyDad]

Agree with above. Start them young

[EatDessertFirst]

In agreement with PP above.

My two are 5 and 3 and are expected to clear up their toys before meals and bedtime. My DS(3) helps lay the table and takes used dishes to the kitchen. DD(5) is expected to make her own bed, feed the cats at dinnertime and also clear her used dishes. Both put their dirty clothes in the wash basket.

[CSIJanner]

I think the problem here is that they're not used to it. I had this, but now, my eldest DC (5) tidies after learning if you don't tidy, it goes in the bin/charity bag. When the favourite books were left out, mine learnt very quickly.

[sadsaddersaddest]

YANBU.
I always tell them, they don't "help", they do their share because they live in the house. Perhaps it is easier for me because they are homeschooled so it is part of the daily routine.
The eldest DCs are 7 and 4. They are expected to tidy their room (DC1 vacuums it too), to clear their plates after every meal and to put their dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
They like to clean windows, mirrors and other surfaces. I sometimes let them but they are still a little young and usually create more mess.

[cat88]

Thanks for the replies - its good to know others have a similar issue but also that kids can do these things so my expectations are not unrealistic.

I did try to start them young but it was easier then as it was 'fun' and a game. Somehow it is not ingrained though i.e. dirty clothes go on the floor then I need to nag before they are put into the laundry basket - they have their own in their room so not too difficult. Clean clothes tried on before they chose their outfits for today also end up in the laundry basket grrr!
My DC2 is actually better as getting herself ready and then helping too. DC1 goes into her room and disappears into another time zone...nothing gets done at all.
I'm not sure whether i have to spend so much time running after DC3 at the moment that I've not kept up with their routine of helping...it was always quicker to do myself but I think they do need to learn to do their part.