Delegating Without Guilt

Work, dishes, laundry, cleaning, bills, groceries, run a kid here and the other kid there......the list of things we need to do never seems to end. When one task is done there is always 10 more waiting in the wings. As a working woman and mom of two teenage boys, the amount of responsibilities seem endless.  Consequently, for those of us who suffer from chronic stress, this is an especially big problem. It's time to put an actionable chore chart in place.

You hear it all the time, you need to exercise, eat right, get enough sleep etc... to feel better.  Really?  Who has time for all that, right?

Given that we seem to have this never-ending to do list, we'll never have the time for ourselves much less our health.  Well that nonsense has to stop.  Do ever say to yourself, "It's just easier to do it myself".  Yep, I say it all of the time. But that statement couldn't be more wrong and that attitude will leave you piled high with tasks and errands that weigh you down.

It's time to delegate.  Do you do everything for your kids? Does your partner help out?  Usually in today's household partners do tend to fall into their roles of responsibilities, if that hasn't happened maybe its' time for a heart to heart.  We also tend to do everything for our kids. I don't think we are purposely spoiling them, it's just easier to do it ourselves, right? Wrong! Here's a list of responsibilities we can teach and delegate to our kids by age.

Guide to chores by age:

Kids Ages 7-9

 

  • Pick up their toys/room
  • Fold the clothes
  • Put away their clothes
  • Make their bed
  • Get the mail
  • Empty waste baskets
  • Make a bowl of cereal
  • Pack their lunch
  • Clear the table
  • Help put away groceries
  • Help prepare meals with parent

    •  

    Tweens - 10 -13

     

  • Dust
  • Weed garden
  • Wipe down bathroom counter
  • Feed the pets
  • Everything on the 7-9 list
  • Vacuum
  • Take out garbage
  • Carry in groceries
  • Make simple meals (such as toast, heat up canned or frozen food in microwave)
  • Make their lunch
  • Load the dishwasher
  • Clean mirrors and inside windows
  • Help in the garden (spreading mulch or soil)
  • Mop floors
  • Pick up after friends

    •  

    Teenagers - 14-18

    • Dog pooper scooper, Clean out the cat litter
    • Everything on the last two lists
    • Do their own laundry (yes they can do this)
    • Load and unload the dishwasher
    • Mow the lawn
    • Clean toilet and bathtub/shower
    • Make easy dinners for the entire family
    • Keep and know their schedule for sports, band and any other activities they participate in
    • Set an alarm and get up by themselves
    • Maintain a pre-paid credit card, manage their money and bank account, invest a small portion of any money they earn (yes they can do this too)

    You can add more to these lists as you see how capable your kids actually are.  Teaching them can indeed be a bit stressful.  And of course you can expect a little push back. But once you do, you'll find the benefits of delegating responsibility will help you reduce your stress and free up your time for more relaxing activities. ♥