Kids love to help especially when they are young and exploring the world. And as parents, we may feel things could go faster if we didn’t have little hands ‘helping’. But getting your children involved in household chores not only helps them feel like little helpers, but it teaches them responsibility and it will help them as they get older to help with household chores. There are many age-appropriate chores that children can help with around the house. Here are some examples:

 

 

 

 

Toddlers (ages 2-3):

• Picking up toys and books
• Helping to make the bed (with assistance)
• Putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket
• Wiping up spills with a cloth
• Dusting with a feather duster
• Watering plants (with assistance)

Preschoolers (ages 4-5):

• Setting the table for meals
• Helping to prepare simple meals and snacks (with supervision)
• Sorting laundry (lights and darks)
• Sweeping the floor with a small broom
• Making their own bed
• Putting away clean dishes (plastic or unbreakable items)

Elementary school children (ages 6-11):

• Folding and putting away laundry
• Vacuuming or sweeping the floor
• Cleaning the bathroom sink and mirror
• Taking out the rubbish and recycling
• Wiping down kitchen counters and table
• Washing dishes or loading the dishwasher

Teenagers (ages 12 and up):

• Mowing the lawn
• Cleaning the bathroom toilet, shower, and bath
• Cooking meals for the family
• Cleaning the kitchen appliances (stovetop, oven, microwave)
• Babysitting younger siblings

 

It's important to remember that children may need guidance and encouragement when first learning to do these chores. And it's also important to be patient and praise them for their efforts. When children feel like they are making a valuable contribution to the household, it can help to build their self-esteem and sense of responsibility.