The Sooner the Better

A child needs to learn responsibilities at a very young. The ripe old age of one year would be a great place to start. Just little things, for example, matching and folding socks. This gives a child the feeling of self worth. Teach the child how to complete the task or chore, never assume they know how. Every child is different from one simpling to another, so assign chores accordingly.

Make a chart for daily tasks and chores. Allow them to sign off once they have completed each task or chore, either with a check mark, smiley face, gold star, etc. Don't harp, and do not do the task for them. They need to know completing their assign task or chores can effect the whole family and what they contribute is important. Make sure there are consequences for not completing their chores. Lets say Friday night is pizza night, and one child has not completed his chores. Maybe his super will be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while everyone else enjoys eating pizza. Stick to disciplining your child, do not give in. This will not be easy at first, but once the child knows you're not a push over, disciplining your child will get easier.

Also reward your child for completing his chores. But be ward, paying a child for each task he or she completes will only lead them to expecting that for every little thing they do, as they grow older. Giving a child responsibilities, and the sooner the better, will give that child self esteem.  Teaching responsibilities at a young age also gives the feeling of normalcies and will allow that child to grow in to adult hood with ease, not to mention the reflection it will have on you as a job well done.