Children have been doing chores, for, well, ever! Teaching your children a sense of responsibility from a young age is something every parent should do. Here are some chore ideas, and what they teach, that even a toddler can do.

Picking up after themselves

As soon as your child is old enough to walk steadily, picking up after themselves is essential. Whether it be to put toys back in their place, clothes in the washing basket or carrying something in from the car. If they are physically able to, ask then to do it. This teaches them that they are now a person that helps as opposed to just being someone that gets everything done for them.

Using their skills

If your child has the ability to pull their toys out of a toy box or books off of a shelf they can help you pull clothes out of a washing machine. Using their already developed skill set to help with chores will develop those skills even more.

House chores

House chores are those that are shared by the family. While your toddler may not be able to do an entire chore by themselves, this is the time to get them to assist. If it is making the beds, they can pass you the pillows. Hanging washing? Let them pass you clothes from the basket. Tidying up? Let them carry things like shoes and small items to the right places. This teaches them that they are part of a family unit that works together to get things done.

Sorting skills

Not only does giving chores to toddlers teach them how to do it, certain chores can help them develop as well. Sorting books from biggest to smallest, matching socks together, passing you the same colour clothing for wash – all of these things help develop their cognitive processing skills.

Here is a list of popular chores by age for you to try. Remember, some of these need to be taught, so for your young child first get them to do these things alongside you

Chores for children ages 2 to 3

• Put toys away
• Fill pet’s food dish
• Put clothes in basket
• Wipe up spills
• Dust low-lying and safe items
• Pile books

Chores for children ages 4 to 5
Any of the above chores, plus:

• Make their bed
• Empty small room dustbins
• Clear table
• Pull weeds
• Use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs
• Water flowers
• Unload utensils from dishwasher (watch the sharp knives though)
• Wash plastic dishes in the sink

Chores for children ages 6 to 7
Any of the above chores, plus:

• Sort clean washing
• Sweep floors
• Set and clear table
• Help make and pack lunch
• Weed and rake leaves
• Keep bedroom tidy

 

Toptots Early Learning SA