Developmentally Appropriate Chores for Children
Developmentally Appropriate Chores for Children
An important part of what we teach our children is the care for their home and belongings. In my Waldorf-inspired preschool program, we worked together to do the chores each day. Parents often ask me what chores are appropriate for their child. I complied this list so you could begin to consider how your children might help out around the home.
I also encourage you to check out the video I did "Five Ingredients Needed for Children to Help Tidy"
Using story is a fantastic way to help encourage children to tidy. As part of our Storytime in the Schoolhouse membership, we offer monthly "pedagogical tales"--stories that teach children on some level. Last month our focus was on helping to keep the house tidy, particularly laundry. We heard the story of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter. You can watch the puppet show for free on our website.
Toddlers (2-3ish)
- Put toys away
- Dirty clothes into hamper
- Dust
- Mop
- Stack books on shelf
- Throw trash away
- Carry small pieces of firewood
- Fold washcloths
- Help make bed (with parent help)
Preschooler (4-5ish):
- Toddler chores plus...
- Make bed alone
- Help clear table
- Help wash dishes
- Put away utensils & dishes
- Water plants
- Sort laundry
- Fold laundry
- Wipe off counters
- Wipe up spills
- Straighten Bedroom
- Prepare simple snacks
- Weed garden
Early Elementary Ages (6-9ish)
- Toddler and preschool chores plus...
- Sweep
- Vacuum
- Put away laundry
- Match clean socks
- Rake the yard
- Put away groceries
- Empty dishwasher
Middle Years (10-13ish)
- Toddler, preschool, and early elementary chores plus...
- Wash car
- Prepare meals
- Wash clothes--using washer & dryer
- Take out trash & recycling
Older Children & High Schoolers (14+)
- Toddler, preschool, early elementary, and middle year chores plus..
- Mowing and weed eating
- Most all adult chores
Interested in more resources about tidying up with young children? Check out these other blog posts:
Five Ingredients to Encourage Children to Tidy-Up
Teaching Tidying through Story: A Puppet Show of Ms. Tiggly-Wiggle --> A video of a puppet show from Storytime in the Schoolhouse
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