Chores can help children build responsibility and feel like a part of your family. However, it is important to assign chores that are appropriate for your child's age. When a child can finish a task successfully, it gives them a chance to build self-esteem. Below are some ideas for age appropriate chores.
Toddlers:
-Tidying up toys: This is a simple task that a toddler can complete. It will likely take a lot of guidance, such as, "Becca, can you pick up your dolls and put them in the box? Good job! Now, why don't you put your book back on the bookshelf?"
-Clean up spills: Did you accidentally spill some milk? Grab a paper towel and show your toddler how to wipe up spills. Most young children will find this activity fun and it will help to teach them to clean up messes right when they happen.
-Dusting: Place an old sock on your child's hand and ask them to pick up as much dust as possible from around the house.
-Dinner prep: Give your child easy tasks when making dinner, such as stirring batter or adding shredded carrots to the top of the salad.
-Laundry: Teach your child to place his dirty clothes in a hamper at the end of the day.
Preschoolers:
-Making the bed: Your child can pull up the blankets neatly and place pillows back on top.
-Raking: Raking leaves during the fall is a fun and easy task for a preschooler. Just make sure to buy a small or mini rake that will be light enough to handle safely.
-Watering plants: Buy a small watering can and have your child make the rounds to the potted plants around the house.
-"Making" breakfast: Teach your children to fetch his or her own spoon and bowl, then pour the cereal and milk into a bowl. It might help to pour the milk into a small glass if you have a big gallon in the fridge.
Big Kids/Gradeschoolers:
- Load the dishwasher: An older child can handle the responsibly of placing his or her used dishes into the dishwasher after rinsing them.
-Set the table: Teach your child to set placemats, napkins, and silverware before dinner.
-Feed the Dog: Give your child a set schedule to feed the pets. It helps to place a measuring cup into the bag of food so that they don't overserve.
- Fill the fridge: Ask your child to help you unload after the grocery store run.
Tweens:
-Walk the dog: Encourage your tween to get exercise and help out the family pet!
-Grocery Hunt: Divide your list and ask your tween to help find certain items while at the store.
-Serve snacks: Teach your son or daughter to prepare their own healthy snacks after school.
-Window wipe-down: Hand your child a newspaper and some windex and have them clean windows and mirrors around the home.
Teens:
-Weekly Gig: Pick a chore from your list and ask your teen to do it every week. This could be vacuuming, dusting, or mopping.
-Clean rooms: Ask that your child keep his or her room clean. Help your teen set up a schedule for cleaning so they don't get overwhelmed.
-Cooking: If your teen likes to cook, teach them an easy dish (spaghetti, tacos, grilled cheese) and have them prepare dinner for the family once or twice a month.Or, ask that they help prepare a side dish!
-Errand runner: If your teen just got their license, they're probably itching to drive. Suggest they go pick up dry cleaning or more milk for you.
Good luck!
Toddlers:
-Tidying up toys: This is a simple task that a toddler can complete. It will likely take a lot of guidance, such as, "Becca, can you pick up your dolls and put them in the box? Good job! Now, why don't you put your book back on the bookshelf?"
-Clean up spills: Did you accidentally spill some milk? Grab a paper towel and show your toddler how to wipe up spills. Most young children will find this activity fun and it will help to teach them to clean up messes right when they happen.
-Dusting: Place an old sock on your child's hand and ask them to pick up as much dust as possible from around the house.
-Dinner prep: Give your child easy tasks when making dinner, such as stirring batter or adding shredded carrots to the top of the salad.
-Laundry: Teach your child to place his dirty clothes in a hamper at the end of the day.
Preschoolers:
-Making the bed: Your child can pull up the blankets neatly and place pillows back on top.
-Raking: Raking leaves during the fall is a fun and easy task for a preschooler. Just make sure to buy a small or mini rake that will be light enough to handle safely.
-Watering plants: Buy a small watering can and have your child make the rounds to the potted plants around the house.
-"Making" breakfast: Teach your children to fetch his or her own spoon and bowl, then pour the cereal and milk into a bowl. It might help to pour the milk into a small glass if you have a big gallon in the fridge.
Big Kids/Gradeschoolers:
- Load the dishwasher: An older child can handle the responsibly of placing his or her used dishes into the dishwasher after rinsing them.
-Set the table: Teach your child to set placemats, napkins, and silverware before dinner.
-Feed the Dog: Give your child a set schedule to feed the pets. It helps to place a measuring cup into the bag of food so that they don't overserve.
- Fill the fridge: Ask your child to help you unload after the grocery store run.
Tweens:
-Walk the dog: Encourage your tween to get exercise and help out the family pet!
-Grocery Hunt: Divide your list and ask your tween to help find certain items while at the store.
-Serve snacks: Teach your son or daughter to prepare their own healthy snacks after school.
-Window wipe-down: Hand your child a newspaper and some windex and have them clean windows and mirrors around the home.
Teens:
-Weekly Gig: Pick a chore from your list and ask your teen to do it every week. This could be vacuuming, dusting, or mopping.
-Clean rooms: Ask that your child keep his or her room clean. Help your teen set up a schedule for cleaning so they don't get overwhelmed.
-Cooking: If your teen likes to cook, teach them an easy dish (spaghetti, tacos, grilled cheese) and have them prepare dinner for the family once or twice a month.Or, ask that they help prepare a side dish!
-Errand runner: If your teen just got their license, they're probably itching to drive. Suggest they go pick up dry cleaning or more milk for you.
Good luck!
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