As a parent, you know that there are a million things to consider when raising happy, healthy kids. Modern life can often make you feel like you’re juggling ten balls at once while tap dancing, so the thought of getting your kids to complete chores can be daunting. In truth, though, chores can be a fantastic way to start teaching your preschooler responsibility, independence, and life skills.
What Are the Benefits of Completing Chores?
Research suggests that getting children as young as three involved in chores and household tasks is hugely beneficial for them. Although you may think a toddler is too young to get involved in household chores, there are many simple tasks a young child can help with.
Completing chores helps:
- Build independence – When kids do chores, they learn to help take care of themselves and their surroundings, helping to build confidence and independent life skills.
- Improve responsibility – Children learn to follow through on commitments and take pride in their work.
- Teach life skills – Chores can help kids develop real-life skills like cleaning, organizing and time management — all valuable skills for adult life.
- Build self-esteem – Completing chores can give a sense of accomplishment, helping to boost self-esteem.
Tips for Getting Started With Chores
Getting your little ones involved in household chores doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with small, simple tasks that can be managed in a short amount of time. You can gradually add more tasks and responsibilities as time goes on, but to begin with, start slowly.
Some more things to think about when introducing chores:
- Make chores age-appropriate – Be sure to choose chores that are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities.
- Make chores fun – You can do this by making a game out of cleaning up, singing songs while you work or rewarding your child with special treats for a job well done.
- Be consistent – Make sure your child knows what is expected of them, and be sure to follow through with any consequences if they don’t complete their chores.
- Lead by example – Finally, remember that children learn by example. If you show your kids that you’re willing to pitch in and do your share, they’ll be more likely to follow suit.
- Don’t expect perfection – Remember, this is about the journey and teaching life skills. Praise and encourage every attempt at completing the chore you’ve given to your child; independence will follow later.
What Are Suitable Chores for Younger Children?
For preschool children and toddlers, start with simple chores like putting away their toys and helping to set the table. These tasks are easy to understand and can be done with minimal supervision. As toddlers grow, you can start assigning them tasks that require a bit more effort and coordination. For example, they can help with simple cleaning tasks like wiping surfaces or sweeping the floor. They can also help with meal preparation, such as stirring a mixture or helping to mix ingredients.
Other tasks suitable for younger children might include the following though parents will have to decide which is okay:
🧹 Put toys away
🧹 Helping sort laundry
🧹 Put clothes in hamper
🧹 Wipe up spills
🧹 Make their bed
🧹 Empty wastebaskets
Tips for Making Chores Fun
While chores may not seem the most exciting thing in the world, there are ways to make them more fun for children. Here are a few tips to help make chores a positive experience for your children:
- Set up a chore chart so your child can track what they need to do.
- Make it a game, and award points for each task completed. At the end of the week, points can be exchanged for a reward.
- Give positive reinforcement for completed tasks. This will help build confidence and encourage your child to continue their chores.
Putting It All Together — Starting to Introduce Chores
Incorporating chores into your child’s daily routine can have a significant impact on their growth and development. It helps them learn essential life skills, gives them a sense of responsibility and boosts their self-esteem. As a parent, it’s important to remember that children learn by example. So, if you show them that chores are an important part of daily life, they’re more likely to adopt this mindset themselves. Introducing chores does not need to be complicated. Remember to keep things fun, use lots of positive reinforcement and enjoy the journey!
