Chores Your Little One Can Help With
Starting chores at a young age can help kids both mentally and physically as they grow up and learn responsibility. Reaching the next milestone can feel easier as they learn new skills. Some sources say that chores can be started as early as two years old, while others recommend four to five years old. The “perfect age” doesn’t exist, so it’s important to do what’s best for you and your child!
Preschool age is around the time I look to start chores because kids are typically still more attached and interested in what I am doing. Plus, at that age, they are more capable than when they were when younger, meaning they will find more personal fulfillment at this age! They are able to follow directions that have more than one step and are likely more patient with the task at hand. Teaching them the correct way to do something is essential to set them up for success, so you’ll want to make sure they have the focus to follow along.
Creating a motivation to get the chore complete, rather than forcing them to do chores, can also be helpful. Although, that motivation does not have to be money, especially at this age. That is not to say that you cannot add a monetary element, though, as every parent and child are different! My kids like to (love to) go to Target to pick out a toy - so usually after a list of chores, we will work in a small toy (ie under $10) to the incentive. Instead of teaching them to only reach for a tangible/extrinsic goal, you can also use intrinsic motivators. What that means is - start with realistic expectations, praise their effort rather than their success, and make a big deal about their progress!
Should you create a chore list? For some, chore lists can help kids stay on track. For others, it can limit them to a “one & done” mentality, rather than pitching in whenever they’re needed.
Keep in mind that they’re human, too! Just like you, the kids might need a day off when they’re not feeling well or had a lot of activities already in one day. This is a great chance to be a model for positive mental health. Taking time away is healthy and completely normal. You know that we all have those days where scrubbing a dish seems like too much to handle!
Finally, say thank you! Everyone likes to be appreciated for their hard work, even the tiny humans.
Before we get into the chores, just a quick reminder to not allow your kids to use chemicals to clean! Give them safer chores, unless you have a chemical-free cleaner. I will sometimes even just give them water in a spray bottle so they have the feeling of doing the same thing.
Now, let’s do some chores!
Pick up the toys
When it comes to toys, I AM TRYING (lol) to follow the “less is more” idea. Kids thrive with less toys in front of them, so it can be really helpful to use a rotation system to keep their interest peaked. In between those rotations, the kids can pick up their toys after they’re done playing. This way, one toy has to go away before a new one can come out! Keep in mind that there might be several places of toy storage and playing - from bedroom, to living, room, to play room. You can treat each as a separate chore.
Unload the silverware
If your child needs a bit more of a challenge, try organizing the silverware from the clean dish piles or dishwasher! They will quickly catch on how to sort the different pieces into the slots. For safety, separate out the knives ahead of time. :)
Set the table
Time for dinner! Setting the table can be a great task that teaches a few different skills. Counting the dinner plates, setting out the silverware, and maybe even creating place tags to practice writing are great places to start.
Bring in the mail or packages
I will do this with them since my kids are young we are close to a neighborhood road - but this gets us outside for a bit, and there can sometimes be something in the mail for them!
Make the bed
Making the bed is a great habit to teach young. It doesn’t have to be difficult either! Show them how to simply straighten out their blankets and pillows so that the task isn’t overwhelming first thing in the morning. Plus, the fewer steps the better, to reduce the possibility of distraction.
Chores don’t have to be like pulling teeth. Your kids can benefit from a little responsibility around the house, while also lending mom and dad a hand. Remember that however you decide to parent is just as valid as the next person and no two kids are exactly the same! Kids have different needs to grow up feeling fulfilled, so choose what’s best for them!
Do your kids help with chores? Let me know what they do down below!