Are you ready to raise responsible and independent children? Start today by delegating chores to them.
Not every time nanny, house-help or adults alone. Adjust tasks to your child’s abilities, provide clear instructions, demonstrate tasks, supervise until they’re comfortable, and celebrate their efforts.
Toddlers (2-3 years old)
- Tidying up toys: Encourage them to put away their toys in designated bins or shelves.
- Wiping surfaces: Provide a damp cloth or baby wipes for them to help wipe clean tables, countertops, or their highchair tray.
- Sorting laundry: Teach them to separate their clothes into different piles (e.g., darks and lights) under supervision.
Preschoolers (4-5 years old)
- Making their bed: Teach them to straighten their sheets and fluff pillows each morning.
- Setting the table: Have them place utensils, plates, and napkins on the table before meals.
- Watering plants: Guide them in watering indoor or outdoor plants using a small watering can.
- Sorting recycling: Teach them to sort recyclable items, such as paper, plastic, and glass, into the appropriate bins (with guidance).
Early Elementary (6-8 years old)
- Putting away groceries
- Sweeping or vacuuming
- Taking care of personal belongings
- Assisting with meal preparation
- Cleaning their room
- Emptying small trash bins
Upper Elementary (9-11 years old)
- Doing laundry
- Washing dishes
- Sweeping/ mopping floors/ vacuuming
- Cleaning bathrooms such as cleaning toilets, sinks, mirrors, and showers, as well as restocking toiletries like toilet paper and soap.
- Assisting with meal planning such as choosing recipes, making grocery lists, and helping with meal preparation
- Garden work like raking leaves, weeding the garden, or watering outdoor plants.
- Have them take responsibility for organizing their bedroom, sorting through belongings, and donating or discarding items they no longer need.
- Assisting with grocery shopping
- Taking care of personal hygiene
Involving children in household chores offers numerous benefits. It helps them develop responsibility, gain essential life skills, and foster independence. By contributing to the family’s well-being, children learn the value of hard work and develop a strong work ethic.