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Chores for Tiny Tots

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Kids and Chores

When I was younger, I got a quarter to take the trash can to the curb. But it was more or less expected I clean my room and pick up my toys. Whether you toss kids a quarter or not, chores are important to a child’s development. They help kids along the way to developmental milestones and other benefits too. And believe it or not, kids as young as 2 years old can do chores!

Putting your kids to work on their own chores at an early age pays off in the long run—no matter how daunting it may feel to enforce the jobs at the time!

Benefits of Kids’ Doing Chores

Parents know it’s nice to have help around the house, but there are many other benefits to kids’ doing chores. Responsibility, following expectations and stewardship of their space are just some.

Chores have developmental benefits for children. They teach kids how to be independent, capable and confident. Chores improve time management. They also promote a sense of teamwork and encourage accountability. They can even help strengthen verbal and motor skills. Chores give kids an opportunity to ask questions. They also allow children to take ownership of a process, not just the result.

When kids begin to do chores from an early age, they are learning essential skills for later in life.

Chores teach children how to care for themselves, their families and their home. Doing chores greatly benefits children in other aspects of their life, too, setting them up for success outside of the home. And as silly as it may seem, beginning chores early encourages habits that carry through to college and even marriage. Teaching children the importance of responsibility comes in handy when they are asked to take care of a space outside the home, such as at school, daycare or activities.

How to Get Kids to Do Chores

Be Consistent

Consistency is important in every aspect of parenting, of course, but especially when implementing chores. Following through with what you ask, no matter the child’s age, is crucial. Use tools to create consistency. A chart, song, mnemonic device or visual aid is a concrete way to help children understand what’s being asked of them.

Start Young

Kids as young as 2 can do chores, but do focus on age-appropriate tasks. Because what a 5-year-old is capable of looks different than what a 2-year-old can do. However, each is completely capable of doing some kind of chore!

A 5-year-old may be able to empty the dishwasher, set the table and put away laundry to some extent. In the same way, 2-year-olds can pick up their toys and help pour water into the cat’s bowl. An older 3-year-old may be able to put away silverware but not glass plates. And that’s okay! Remember to stay within children’s developmental skills. Tailor the chores to your children, their ages and their abilities.

Create Cues

We adults tend to be automatic when it comes to things we need to get done. A lot of our days are riddled with subtle cues or triggers that cause us to do other actions. Children are no different. Tie cues to the chores they do. For example, each night after baths, your children throw dirty clothes in the hamper and hang up their towels. After they are dressed, they can set out clothing for the next day. The cue or signal for those chores is getting out of the bath.

With the chore attached to a signal or cue, your child will remember and then implement that chore with less resistance. Conscious actions create unconscious (positive!) habits. That’s the goal!

Use Modeling

We adults have accumulated years of knowledge and experience doing chores. Chores like rinsing off dishes may seem innate to us, but they are completely new to kids.

Use the model, “I do, you do, we do.” Modeling is important when teaching children, but especially in showing them how to complete chores. Scaffold—build on what they already know how to do with lots of examples, slow modeling and patience. Then, don’t overcomplicate it. Focus on simple and concrete steps. Use visuals. A chart or actual examples from you will greatly help little ones understand what you’re asking.

Chores for Kids 5 and Under

Some chores need more adult assistance than others. Ultimately, you know your children best. Try giving them a little more independence than you normally would and edit any of your cringing. You are capable of empowering them with responsibility, but you also want to stay sane. There’s a happy medium in there somewhere, I promise!

Here are some reasonable chores kids 5 and under can manage:

Kids Can Do Chores

By setting realistic expectations and having a little extra patience, you’ll see your kids can do chores! And you can help them succeed in doing them.

Remember:

How they help inside the home is an indication of how equipped they will be outside it. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun or work toward a goal. Do they want a toy? They can work toward paying for it with chores around the house. They will feel a sense of accomplishment after working to buy it.

Kailyn Rhinehart writes from Warrensburg, MO. She lives with her husband and two small children, and everyone definitely sometimes pitches in on chores.

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