Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime.To get your young kids into the habit of helping with chores, you have to figure out which ones they love to do (Tackle the complex and tedious ones as they get older). You may have seen lists of chores organized by age, but who can do what and when differs from kid to kid, according to ability, developmental readiness, interests, and any special needs.
The following lists are grouped in a way that are much more user-friendly. As a rule, if you assume your child is not ready yet, let them try anyway, and prepare to be surprised.
How to Make Chore Charts Work
- Be specific about tasks. Instead of "clean your room," spell out what that entails ("make your bed" and "put clothes in the hamper.")
- Be consistent. Changing rules and expectations week to week can create confusion and frustration.
- Be positive. Even teenagers appreciate "sticker charts" or reward systems that can earn them spending cash or certain privileges. But praise and heartfelt "thank yous" often mean more to kids than parents think, too.
Age-Appropriate Chores for 2- to 5-Year-Olds
Above all, preschoolers should focus on taking care of their own bodies and bedrooms. Some chores ideas are:
- Get dressed
- Brush teeth
- Make bed/pull up covers
- Put toys in bins/boxes (indoor)
- Put toys in bins/boxes (outdoor)
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper
Age-Appropriate Chores for 6- to 9-Year-Olds
Once they hit grade school, kids can start pitching in for other family members and perform tasks that might require reading (like sorting mail).
* Sweep/vacuum (handheld) floors
* Wipe tables and counters
* Clear table after dinner
* Put utensils away
* Wipe doorknobs and faucets with disinfecting wipes
Age-Appropriate Chores for 10- to 12-Year-Olds
It's tempting to give tweens big jobs, but it's important to keep safety in mind.
- Put away their own laundry
- Wash and dry dishes/pots and pans
- Mop/Swiffer floors
- Carry in/put away groceries
- Empty kitchen garbage/recycling