START YOUR kid ON AGE-APPROPRIATE CHORES

I know, we just told you to say “YES” to the mess. and we completely implied it when we said it. but we also want you to find big and small ways to say “YES” to provides of help. and your toddler might just be that potentially untapped source for cleanup help around the house. We compiled this list of age-appropriate chores that work in our houses. Please add your ideas in the comments.

As a guideline of thumb: Do not do for your child what they can do for themselves.

As a measure of reality: Outsource the chores you hate first.

Laz is cleaning his stairs to earn a LEGO set

As soon as a child can walk, he can start participating in cleaning tasks. little ones take such terrific pleasure in imitating adults that it is quite easy to convince them to help out. These life skills are ones that everyone should master eventually ”“ it’s simply to your own benefit to get them started early.

Here is a basic list of age-appropriate chores that children can learn at different stages. maybe your child is even much more advanced!

Criança pequena

Wiping up a spill

Putting clothes in hamper

Putting toys back on shelves or containers

Throwing trash in garbage can or recycling bin

Dust busting with small handheld vacuum

Sweeping with a child-sized broom or dry cloth mop

Preschooler

Clearing plate to kitchen counter

Sorting clean silverware into drawers

Emptying dishwasher for areas in reach

Using a sponge to wipe table

Straightening chairs and tidying table tops in common rooms

Setting the table (I have a small laminated photo of the job done right!)

Garotão

Emptying trash from rooms to outdoor garbage

Making bed and “cleaning” bedroom (tips on how to get a kid to clean a room!)

Vacuuming carpet

Lavanderia! (My pal Sabra has 3 elementary age sons who do all their own laundry, if that sounds too advanced, introduce the concept with these baby steps)

Carrying and sorting dirty laundry into loads

Pushing the best buttons on the machines (almost there!)

Sorting clean socks

Putting away laundry (it might be a wadded up mess, sigh)

Planning meals with help

Cooking part of the meal

Packing lunch boxes (probably with help)

I have older children and some chores are simpler depending on personality type, preferences, and time of day. remember that you’re teaching the child to be a responsible adult — not just shirking your own house work — and be happy of these successes.

Putting away dishes, setting the table

What about money tied to chores?

The matter of allowance and incentives is a whole different matter. I expect certain contributions as being members of the household while allowing a child to earn much more money for additional jobs. I keep allowance separate so I don’t pay for regular chores but I’ve given a few dollars to my child for shredding confidential documents.

Please share in the comments if you’ve succeeded in getting a small child to do big helper jobs around the house.