When is the right time to start including your little ones in day-to-day household chores? Well, the short answer is whenever you think they can understand a task and have the physical ability to complete it. Young toddlers can be encouraged to do simple things like put a toy or a book in its appropriate place by doing the task with them to demonstrate. Most experts say between 18-month and 2 years old is a good time to start including them.
Why Should Kids Do Chores?
Chores give kids a great foundation of skills for their future. Assisting with daily chores helps children strengthen their fine and gross motor skills and hand eye coordination. It also helps to teach them they are valuable and important members of the family.
It is important that the children see that all family members have regular chores to keep the family running smoothly. Every member has a responsibility to the rest of the family, even though they might be doing different chores.
Keep in mind, the ultimate goal for giving your little one’s chores is for them to learn to follow directions and see their task through to the end. It is a good idea to show and explain the task you are asking them to do first. Explain why the task is important and start off by doing the task alongside your child. Try, as best you can, to let go of the need for perfection. They’re still learning, and they may struggle at the start.
Try your hardest not to re-do one of their chores after they are done. When parents constantly redo chores that children have done, children tend to feel their efforts weren’t good enough. When this happens on a regular basis, children may get so discouraged they give up trying to improve.
Some examples of appropriate chores for children of different ages are listed below.
Toddlers (ages 2-3)
- Put away their toys (if the toys aren’t too heavy or pose a safety risk of physically lifting)
- Help prepare a meal by getting ingredients and stirring ingredients in a bowl
- Put their dirty clothes in the hamper
- Wipe up spills
- Dust
- Bring their plate and cup to the sink after a meal
- Putting away fruits and vegetables (anything light and not easily damaged)
- Help sort laundry by color
- Choose clothes for the next day and laying them out for the morning
- Pick up outdoor toys and put them away
Preschool (ages 4-5)
- All toddler jobs
- Make their bed
- Help put clothes in the washer and dryer
- Feed any pets
- Water flowers
- Load their dishes into the dishwasher
- Help put their clothes away
- Match socks
- Dry non-breakable dishes with a kitchen towel
- Help rake leaves in the fall or snow in the winter
We are here to help you navigate this new milestone in your child’s life so please reach out with any questions or concerns at navigation@familyfutures.org or contact us on our website. We’d love to find a chore plan that works for you!
