In order to achieve better organization and communication among family members, this list of responsibilities has been provided. These chores/tasks should be presented during family council meetings. Please print
out this list and assign each family member his/her given task. (Download PDF to Print Here).
Outside
Sweep: Porch, Sidewalk, Patio
Clear Snow
Bring in newspaper
Take out Garbage
Inside
Dust: furniture, bookshelves, piano, stereo, tv
Vacuum: carpets, rugs, floors
Empty: ashtrays, wastebaskets, garbage
Mop: floors
Scrub: sinks, bathtubs, toilets
Wipe: light switches, counter tops
Kitchen
Shop and put away groceries
Prepare and cook meals
Table: set, clear, wipe
Dishes and utensils: scrape, rinse, wash, dry
Dishwasher: load and empty
Stove: clean
Refrigerator: wash
Laundry
Collection
Linens - strip beds, put on clean sheets, remove towels from bathroom, replace with clean towels
Clothing - pick up and put in laundry, empty pockets, sort according to color
Wash, dry, iron, fold, hang, sort, deliver to user
Sewing
Mend, darn, replace buttons, new clothes, household items
Pets
Feed: buy, prepare, serve, clean, give fresh water
Sanitation: take outdoors (am and pm), clean litter box or cage
Exercise
Bathe and brush
Care for Others
Transportation: Doctor, dentist, school, special lessons, sports, activities
Siblings: babysitting
Infant- diapers, bottles, attend
Toddler- watch, toilet, read to, clothe
Other relatives
Aged or infirm: accompany, visit, read to, play games with, walk with, assist
Toys
Keep in order, put away, clean, repair, store in appropriate place
Financial and clerical
Earn income, provide sustenance, balance budget, pay bills, keep records
Maintenance
Routine: cut the grass, take grass clippings, rake leaves, pull weeds, trim trees and hedges, sweep sidewalks
Specific: shovel snow, replace furnace filters, change light bulbs, make minor repairs, wash windows, paint, wallpaper
Automomobile
Wash, get gas and oil, vacuum inside
Errands
Clothes to cleaner or laundry, shoes to be repaired, drugstore, library, shopping other than food, things to be fixed, things to be cleaned
Philosophy of Allowance:
Caregivers should not pay children for doing chores, it only teaches selfishness. All children should get no strings, weekly, fair allowance that varies according to age and needs. (See allowance example above).