Empowering Kids: Seven Chores Young Children Can Do
My husband was raised in a family where chores were a natural part of life. He possesses qualities of patience, wisdom, and a strong work ethic that can be attributed to his upbringing.
On the flip side, I admit that during my younger years, I may have been a bit of a bossy and spoiled child. While I’ve certainly matured over the years, there’s no denying the profound influence of my husband’s upbringing and his unwavering work ethic on our family.
Now, you might be wondering if our experiences can serve as a reliable case study, providing concrete evidence that children who are taught age-appropriate chores grow up to be more responsible, develop a solid work ethic, and perhaps even radiate a touch of rugged handsomeness. Well, yes, that’s precisely the point I’m making!
Table of Contents
Age-Appropriate Chore List for Kids
Let’s dive into the seven chores that my daughters, aged 5 and 3, are expected to do.
Chore #1: Making Their Bed
Each morning, my little ones are tasked with making their beds. Perfection isn’t the goal, but we do expect their sheets to be pulled up neatly, and their pillows, dolls, and stuffed animals stacked neatly.
Chore #2: Tidying Up Toys
We’ve simplified toy organization with baskets on a shelf in the living room and a separate shelf for books. It’s a straightforward system that even toddlers can handle.
Chore #3: Putting Away the Dirty Clothes
Putting dirty clothes in the hamper is a skill we’re still working on, but that’s part of the learning process. It’s better to remind them a billion times at five than ten billion times at fourteen.
Chore #4: Setting the Table
Our kids eagerly compete to set the table, starting with laying out serviettes for each family member. It’s a fun little contest in our household.
Chore #5: Laundry Sorting
Sorting laundry might sound mundane, but our kids enjoy it. It’s a small yet essential task that teaches them responsibility.
Chore #6: Putting Away Their Laundry
This chore is a favorite, especially for me. I don’t even fold the clothes; I just make piles for each child, and they take it from there. They love folding and carefully stacking everything in the right drawers.
Chore #7: Cleaning up Spills
We keep a stash of bar-mop towels in the kitchen. If the kids spill their juice, they know it’s their responsibility to grab a towel and clean up the mess.
Bonus Chore #8: Watering Plants
Depending on the age of your children and the types of plants you have, you can involve them in watering indoor or outdoor plants. Teach them how to water the plants gently and not to overdo it.
Bonus Chore #9: Helping with Pet Care
If you have pets, assigning age-appropriate tasks related to pet care can be a great way to teach responsibility. Children can help with tasks like feeding, grooming, or even taking the dog for short walks under supervision.
Bonus Chore #10: Dusting and Simple Cleaning
Younger children can participate in dusting surfaces or using a handheld duster to keep shelves and tabletops clean. As they grow, you can gradually introduce them to more advanced cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces or sweeping floors with child-sized brooms.
Chores for Children – Printable Chart
I’ve made this chart for you to print and use as you would like.
I’ve included 2 bonus items in it as well i.e. to keep their shoes away and to book all books and study material on the shelves.
Essential tips for teaching your children to do chores
- Provide Guidance: Don’t assume your children know how to do chores. Teach them patiently and set clear expectations.
- Lead by Example: Children are more likely to embrace chores if they see you doing them too. Be a role model.
- Accept Imperfections: Kids won’t do chores flawlessly, and that’s okay. Encourage them to do their best.
- Instill Responsibility: Teach your children that their chores are responsibilities to be taken seriously.
- Avoid Doing Everything: Resist the urge to do everything for your kids just because you can do it faster or better. Your goal is to raise responsible children, not maintain a perfectly organized sock drawer.
Recommended Reading:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these chores suitable for children of all ages?
The chores listed here are generally designed for children around the ages of 3 and up. However, you can adjust them based on your child’s age and capabilities.
How can I make chores more engaging for my kids?
Turn chores into a fun activity by playing music or making it a family game. Offering small rewards or praise for a job well done can also boost their enthusiasm.
How can I ensure my children balance chores with their schoolwork and other activities?
Set a reasonable schedule that allows time for both chores and other responsibilities. Teach your children time management skills and prioritize tasks as needed.
What’s the appropriate age to start introducing chores to children?
You can begin introducing simple tasks as early as 2 or 3 years old. Start with age-appropriate chores like picking up toys or helping to set the table.
Should I pay my children for doing chores?
While some families use allowances as a reward for chores, it’s also valuable to teach children that certain responsibilities are expected as part of being a member of the household. Consider a combination of rewards and responsibilities.
Conclusion
Incorporating age-appropriate chores into your child’s routine can have a positive impact on their development. Not only do these tasks teach responsibility and a strong work ethic, but they also foster a sense of contribution to the family unit.
Remember, it’s not about perfection but about instilling valuable life skills that will serve them well as they grow. So, embrace the journey of teaching your children to be responsible and self-reliant individuals.
Because I use a 4:1 solution of water and vinegar for most of my cleaning, I can safely allow my 5-1/2 and 2-1/2 year old sons to clean just about anything. Yes, I expect the 5 y/o to clean his own bathroom. No, it isn’t perfect, and vinegar isn’t the strongest disinfectant in the world, but it’s better than having to do it ALL myself. And when they meet my future daughters-in-law, their bathrooms won’t be so nasty that she’s afraid to use the toilet.
Just this evening my son (6) said to me it wasn’t fair that he couldn’t do the dishes. I get in the habit of wanting to just get it done, but tonight I said, “you are right. Mom will let you have the privilege of doing the dishes.” And there were a lot, and he loved every minute of it and didn’t complain. The sense of pride he had when he was done was a beautiful thing to see. I need to remember that children also like the rewarding feeling of a job well done. Great post.
My 4 year old also feeds and waters the dog. He loves it! He also helps me sweep. I have a little mini broom with the dustpan attached, and he just goes to town with it. 🙂 Thanks for these other ideas!
My 3 oldest children (10, 8, 8) rotate dishes. #1 starts by washing all the bowls. #2 dries and puts them away, then washes the plates. #3 dries and puts away the plates, then washes all the cups and silverware, which #1 dries and puts away. And they take turns on who gets to wash what. Mommy (me) does the pots and pans, and my youngest (6.. not quite adept at REALLY getting the dishes clean) has become the “worlds greatest cleaner of tabletops and cabinets”. Last one done eating sweeps the floor after dinner. They are also responsible for keeping their bathroom clean and organized, and this does include the cleaning of the toilet (generally done by my 10yr old girl or my 8yr old boy), as well as their rooms, and folding and putting away their own laundry and generally help wherever I ask.
This is awesome! I have to say I am one of those moms who can do it quicker myself and I need to work on my patience. We have started a chore chart to teach the kids responsibility and also working and earning. We give them a small amount of money for each completed chore during the week. They then have to divide their pay into savings, giving and spending.
Great advice…my 5 year old, Porter, loves to help with chores and if you are not picky, then hopefully they will still like doing them even when they are older. Porter is cleaning up more now, even without me asking, because of his 8 month old brother…he doesn’t want him to get a toy or garbage in his mouth that he could choke on. I like that you keep it simple and have shelves and drawers that they can reach…I love the look on a child’s face when they can do it themselves. I do have to work harder on being a good example for my child, but luckily as I teach him, he is also teaching me. I look forward to reading more of your blog. With love, Cheryl.
I really enjoyed these little tidbits! I’m almost giddy reading them. I too grew up doing chores, but struggle not to just do everything for my daughter, thanks for the tips!
I started having my daughter help clean her messes since she could sit up! She was only about 14 mos when she would grab a napkin off the table and start ‘cleaning’ the condensation. She is almost 2 and cleans her own room and stacks the clean dishes after dinner and throws away trash without me asking. She is hurt if I don’t include her in my chores! It does take longer and more effort to include a one year old in my chores, but I’ve learned that its easier than chores AND keeping an eye on her 🙂 I am grateful to the Lord for teaching me that training children isn’t something that is done on accident!
my 2 1/2 year old loves to sort the silverware and put it in the drawer
So happy to see Mom’s who believe in teaching their children to work! We live in a day where that is being lost. A responsible child is a responsible adult. Yes, it IS easier and faster to do it ourselves sometimes, but that’s not the point! I have twin sons who are 12 1/2. They can cook, clean, do laundry and iron just as good as my 15 year old daughter…because they started young! Sadly, our youngest is spoiled rotten and we’ve let him slide far too much. The older children take up the slack for him, but I figure there is a day coming when the twins will be off working jobs and young man Taylor is going to be the ONLY one at home to do the work that his siblings have been doing for HIM! : ) Love your style and outlook. It’s a blessing to all of us!
Awesome post!! This is something I really need to work on. My daughter is pretty good at picking up her toys…when we tell her to. And we definitely aren’t consistent. Thanks for posting this…it has encouraged me to work on it. My kids aren’t going to know what hit them tomorrow morning! lol.
My kids help put away some dishes. Their plasticware that they use for meals is stored in a drawer they can reach, they put pots and pans in the bottom of the stove and tupperware is in a lower cupboard for easy accessibility. They also clear their dishes after meals and put what food they haven’t eaten in the bag for composting.
I do love haring from Moms like you! I think our society has gone too much on the opposite side… I mean, moms do everything and give no responsabilities to their children and then we come out with very irresponsible young men and women and we also ask us why…. Very good post.
I let them start sweeping the floor with a hand broom and dust pan. Even at 2 they can begin to take responsibility for messes they make. They may not clean it perfectly, but they are learning and will improve over time.