Teaching Children Independence

A little while back I read a list on Pinterest about things children should be able to do and by what age. It written by Merrilee Boyack for her book "Teach Your Children to Fly". I agreed with most of the list, but there were a few things I felt you can add and take away, so I changed the list a little bit. I felt most of the list was silly, but the most important were ages 3-5. 

Age 3
Dress self
Potty trained
Brush teeth
Clean up/ Put away toys in the correct bins
Wash walls, furniture
Personal vitals- age, name, birthday
Politeness- thank you, please, no thank you
Wash hands when dirty
Help sweep floors
Help groom pets- bathe and brush

Age 4
Help make the bed- I think this calls for a little help from parents
Clean glass windows
Floss teeth
Help set table/clear table
Help make meals
Pick out clothing
Dust furniture
Help swiffer/wet jet floor
Feed pet
Understand healthy habits of exercise and eating

Age 5
Keep room clean
Vacuum
Set table/clear table
Know phone numbers/address
Make lunch
Water plants
Pull weeds
Plant fruits, veggies. 
Have backpack ready for school
Clean up after pet
Give pet water
Pour drink for self

I do not feel like these things are asking too much of kids. I think children these days are too spoiled. I believe there are too many people in our country that have entitlement issues. Lets teach our children how to be responsible, encourage them to work hard, tell them that its okay to lose but to work harder next time to win because there are no 2nd place trophies in real life. 

Also with spring coming up I hope that you consider enrolling your child into a spring sport, like t-ball, pee wee baseball, dance, or swimming.