Lisa Goldman, a music teacher in Beachwood, Ohio, wouldn't have it any other way. Her three kids  -- ages 8 through 14  -- have been doing chores since they were toddlers. They'd help their mom in the garden and "fold" towels. Today, all three are responsible for clearing their room of clutter. "Doing chores is important," Goldman says. "It teaches my kids to have a work ethic."

Many experts agree that household jobs help children learn how to be contributing members of the family. They give kids a sense of accomplishment by making them feel needed. And there's an added benefit to you. As Amparo Marks, a mom of two in Wayland, Massachusetts, says, "Everyone in our family has to pitch in unless they want a crazy Mommy and Daddy."

You don't need to load your child with a lengthy to-do list, though. Kids learn responsibility in a variety of ways, including discipline and watching you do your work. But here are some easy ideas to get your little ones to do their part:

Esther Davidowitz, a mom of three, is the editor-in-chief of Westchester Magazine.