My two year old loves to help around the house. No matter what I’m doing, he will usually shout, “Me help!”
One of my two year old’s favorite chores to help with is sorting the laundry. After laundry is washed, I set out a row of laundry baskets, one for each person in our family, and he helps sort the clean clothes into each basket. After I fold his clothes, he’ll happily carry his basket to his room and help put the clothes away.
I love my two year old’s enthusiasm for helping, even though his “help” often makes the chore a little harder or take a little longer. How I wish my older kids were as eager to help around the house!
The new year is a great time for kids to learn a few new chores. When teaching children a new chore, remember to teach the chore, let your child help you with the chore, supervise as your child does the chore, and then allow your child to complete the chore independently. The more everyone pitches in with household tasks, the more time the whole family has to play together!
Here are a few chores kids can do by age:
Ages 2 to 5
- Put toys away
- Fill pet’s food dish
- Put clothes in hamper
- Make bed
- Empty small trashcans
- Pull weeds in the garden
- Pick up sticks from the yard
- Water flowers
- Unload utensils from dishwasher
Ages 6 to 9
In addition to above chores:
- Rake leaves
- Pick garden produce
- Bring garbage can up from the curb
- Load dishwasher
- Put away groceries
- Help cook a meal
- Set and/or clear table
- Sweep floors
- Fold and put away laundry
- Dust
Ages 10 to 12
In addition to above chores:
- Unload dishwasher
- Wipe bathroom mirrors and counters
- Wash car
- Wash, fold, and put away laundry
- Watch younger siblings (with adult at home)
- Take pet for a walk
- Change bed sheets
