Mothers: Stop Carrying the Domestic Load Alone Ladies, you need to stop carrying the entire domestic load alone. That is one of the things you have children for. Children can be taught to contribute to the household from a surprisingly young age. As they grow, their responsibilities should grow with them. If you teach them properly, much of the routine domestic work can gradually be transferred to them, leaving you primarily responsible for supervision, organization, and the work that genuinely requires an adult. The exact age will depend on the child, but a rough guide looks something like this: Ages 2–3 Put toys away Put dirty clothes in the hamper Carry unbreakable dishes to the table Wipe small spills Help put groceries away Match socks Ages 4–5 Make their bed Set and clear the table Feed pets Water plants Help sort laundry Dust low surfaces Help prepare simple foods Put their own clothes away Ages 6–8 Sweep floors Vacuum simple areas Fold laundry Empty small trash cans Load and unload parts of the dishwasher Prepare simple breakfasts and snacks Help wash dishes Keep their bedroom reasonably clean Help with basic yard work Ages 9–11 Do complete loads of laundry Load and unload the dishwasher Clean bathrooms Vacuum and mop Take out the trash Prepare simple meals Change bed linens Help care for younger siblings Perform more substantial yard work Help with grocery lists and putting food away Ages 12–14 Cook complete basic meals Handle their own laundry from beginning to end Clean the kitchen Clean bathrooms thoroughly Mop and vacuum the house Do routine lawn and garden work Babysit younger siblings for reasonable periods Help plan meals Help with household organization and errands Ages 15–17 Prepare family meals Handle most routine household cleaning Do grocery shopping when practical Manage their own clothing and belongings completely Perform substantial yard and maintenance work Care for younger siblings independently for appropriate periods Help manage household schedules and recurring tasks Learn basic repairs and maintenance Take responsibility for entire areas of the household By the time your children are teenagers, they should not merely be “helping Mom.” They should be competent members of the household who know how to see what needs doing and do it. The goal is not merely to reduce your workload. You are training future adults to run homes of their own.