Teaching your kids to do chores at a young age helps them develop responsibility and life long habits. Chores do not have to be boring and tedious. Make a list of chores and ask your kids which ones they would like to do. If two kids want to do the same chore, you can let them pair up and complete the chore together. This teaches them how to be a good team player! You can also motivate your kids with a chore/sticker chart or a special reward at the end of the week. Kids are more willing to work hard if they are working towards something. Here is a list of age appropriate chores:
2-3 years:
- Begin dressing themselves
- Help make bed
- Bring in newspaper
- Pick up toys
- Carry dishes to the sink
- Deliver laundry
- Make their bed
- Help wipe up spills
- Sweep porch
- Pick up sticks
- Pull weeds
- Match socks
- Help put groceries away
4-5 years:
- Dry dishes
- Clear the table after meals
- Put groceries away
- Set the table
- Rake leaves
- Water plants
- Sort laundry
- Bring in mail
- Clean out car
- Take trash out (bathroom and bedroom trash)
- Put away their clothes
- Help load dishwasher
- Sweep floor
- Wash floor
- Organize toys
- Help declutter
- Load grocery cart and bag groceries
Every family is different so your list of chores will probably look different than ours. Remember, you will have to show your kids how to do their chores possibly several times before they are able to complete the task by themselves. If your kids are hesitant to help, you can make a game out of doing chores by timing them. This should get them moving!
