This months blog posts have been all about the kids. Last week I revealed the kids craft closet and today I am going over kids appropriate chores.
After I realized that my young girls were capable of helping pick up and do a few chores I put together a daily chore charts for them. Some of the chores are no brains I know they will do it every day, but that lines them up to succeed. I also switch out the chores when I feel like they need to do different things around the house.
Before diving into chores lets remember to respect your child’s need for play. For them, it’s serious business! If you really think about it, your kids are learning so much when they are just playing. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t also do chores, it just means that we can’t have all work and no play. When their play need is met, they are more likely to cooperate with chores.
When putting these chore charts together remember to keep in mind your child’s age, ability, and maturity when assigning chores around the house. I use the list below as a guide when it comes to assigning chores.
Age Appropriate Chores for Toddlers
Young Toddler (18 Months)
- Pick up/ put away toys
- Practice sweeping dry messes with hand broom
- Put a few groceries on the counter at checkout
- Dust low areas
- Throw away trash
Toddler (ages 2 and 3)
- Any Young Toddler Chores
- Unload the dishwasher (silverware, plastic cups, tupperware)
- Put clothes in the dirty clothes hamper
- Feed Pets
- Eating Meals
- Brushing Teeth
Preschooler (ages 4-5)
- Any toddler chores
- Match socks
- Fold dish towels
- Staying dry day and night
- Picking up dog poop While our family isn’t perfect when it comes to chores, my kids are encouraged to work together to keep the house clean and organized. Having young kids that can help around the house keeps the house cleaner and frees up more time for fun activities as a family. Finally, remember to keep it fun! Most little children WANT to help out around the house. Assigning small chores like the ones listed above allow your kids to feel like a contributing member of the family.