
Developmentally Appropriate Chores for Children
Aug 12, 2021Developmentally 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
Are you interested in checking out a full week of Storytime and learning more songs & stories to share with your child?
We now offer a free "Storytime Seasonal Sampler" with a week of Storytime for each season, giving you songs and stories for all year. Sign up with your name and email below and start watching the videos today. We will then email you each week with new episodes as well as crafts, projects, and other resources that coordinate with the stories and themes from Storytime.
We don't like spam either. We will never share or sell your information.