07/19/2025
Little helpers can make a big difference! Studies show that starting children with chores as young as three improves many skills, including working independently, controlling emotions, increase self esteem and help them problem solve. Children do not see chores as a hassle. Children see it as interactive play that promotes growth and learning.
At ages as young as two through four children can:
▪︎Sort toys into picture labeled boxes.
▪︎Pick up clothes and place them in the hamper or wash.
▪︎Dust furniture with a microfiber clothes
▪︎Begin practicing to make their bed. (This one won't be perfect for a bit and they will need your help!)
Between ages four and five they can begin to:
▪︎Sort laundry
▪︎Put dishes away
▪︎Feed pets
▪︎Use a handheld vacuum
▪︎Load the dishwasher with small items
At ages six through eight children become more independent and can start doing tasks independently such as:
▪︎Take out the trash (if its not to heavy)
▪︎Make their beds neatly
▪︎Load the dishwasher with larger items
▪︎Vacuum the floors, and mop
▪︎Wash, dry, and fold laundry
After the age of eight, chores depend on the child as they grow and develop differently. Remember to use polite but firm language, do not ask. Phrases such as "I am finishing dinner, please set the table." help demonstrate team work while also giving clear directions on what needs done.
Reminders:
▪︎Frustration is normal, and children are learning to vocalize it. Ask yourself, is the task to hard? Can it be broken to smaller steps? Were my directions not clear enough for them? Some directions seem clear enough to you, such as asking your child to put their toys away, but children do not often think to look out of their line of sight like under the couch, or in the other rooms.
▪︎Each child grows differently. Some will excel at certain chores faster than others and that is okay. Chores should be somewhat challenging but at a good enough level for them to ask for help occasionally. At this point guide them, don't do it for them. "Give a man a fish, he eats for the day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime."
▪︎The house will never be perfectly clean. Children are still working on their motor skills and sometimes this means them cleaning is just a bigger mess. A mess can be cleaned, give them a chance to self correct.
▪︎You are an amazing parent. Monkey see, monkey do, and you are doing great. Its okay to take a break, or have a messy house, its a home not a showroom.
