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Chores appropriate for Pre-schoolersAges 2, 3 and 4Many toddlers are eager to help with chores, and while their “helping” may not always be truly helpful, we should encourage that excitement and the habit of helping out around the household. Some chores 2-4 year olds can do Help make the bed Put dishes in the sink (Plastic!) Pick up toys and books Take laundry to the laundry room Help feed pets Help wipe up messes Dust with socks on their hands Mop in areas with help. Use potty Brush teeth Floss teeth (with help and a flosser) Water garden (with pre measured water) Pick up toys at the end of day Chores appropriate for 4 to 6 year old childrenFour, five and six year olds still find helping to be an exciting venture and usually are happy to try and help. At this age, they are ready to do some chores without constant supervision. Rewards at this age are very motivating.Chores for 4 - 6 year olds Clear and set the table Dust Help preparing food to cook?Carrying and putting away groceries Use bathroom Wash hands Brush teeth Floss Teeth (with flosser) Water garden Pick up toys Feed pet Make bed/change sheets (start with having him/her take off the dirty sheets and hand you the clean ones ) Set table Carry dirty dishes to kitchen or sink Put away folded clean clothes Put dirty clothes into clothes hamper Set out clothes for the next day Set out backpack, shoes etc (whatever is needed for school) Clean room (have him/her help with picking up things and putting them in their appropriate place) Chores appropriate for a 7 to 12 year oldIncreasing ResponsibilityChildren in this preteen age are capable of handling increased responsibility where chores are concerned. Often children this age rely on continuity, so try and stick to a system that works for your family and do not change it without the input and support of the people it directly affects. Make sure that you factor in rewards and consequences and address those issues with your children. Let them know the consequences of not completing chores, as well as the rewards for fulfilling their responsibilities. Chores for the 7-12 year oldHelp wash the carLearn to wash dishes Help prepare simple meals Clip Coupons Basic meal planning Type / Write Grocery list Help with shopping Clean the bathroom Plant garden flowers/vegetables/plants Walk the dog Pick up dog poop Change the litter box Bring in firewood Rake leaves Operate the washer and dryer Clean and Organize the Cabinets or Storage Closet Organize the video/CD collection Vacuum the car File papers Chores appropriate for TeensThe idea of chores for teens may be seem an implausible concept to many people who have been trying to get their teen child to contribute to the household. But teenagers are definitely ready to handle almost any chore in the home and we need to insist that they begin helping. However, a teenager’s schedule can sometimes become quite hectic, leaving little time for chores. Make sure that the workload of your teenagers is manageable and make sure they are not overloaded in other areas when they should actually be helping out more around the house.Chores for TeensCheck and replace light bulbs Check and replace vacuum cleaner bags All laundry Wash windows Clean out refrigerator and other kitchen appliances Prepare meals Prepare grocery lists Change the oil in the car Mow the grass Till the garden Edge the lawn Trim the trees/shrubs Deliver meals to those in need Babysit younger siblings Split wood Clean out fireplace Clean gutters Fertilize lawn/garden Give mom/dad a back rub! Bathe younger siblings |
