Household Tasks That Children Can Do, At Any Age

Household chores are a useful tool for teaching children to be responsible and independent.

The family is the first social circle a child is a part of. This makes it a very conducive environment to practice social norms and values, developing healthy skills for later in life.

Give children responsibilities

Give your child small responsibilities appropriate to his age. Make it clear that he has to perform those tasks.

It is always good to motivate and explain to your child why they should help at home, emphasizing the importance of the tasks you assign them. That way he will be happy to do them.

This will have many positive effects, his self-esteem will be increased and he will feel important and needed in the family.

At the same time, he learns to appreciate work. He will realize that household chores are not magically done on their own, but they take effort.

He will also learn about the benefits of working together. Each family member works together as a ‘team’ so that your home can be a clean, tidy and pleasant place.

Things to keep in mind when involving your child in household chores

• Always consider your child’s age and abilities when choosing which chores to do. You have to hold him accountable for tasks that he can actually do. The idea is that your child feels encouraged and successful, in addition to working with his family. When a very small child is expected to perform tasks that they cannot yet do, they become frustrated, lose confidence in themselves and do not want to try again.

• The process of involving your child in household chores requires patience. If something isn’t working properly because of his lack of attention or skills, don’t criticize or scold him. What you need to do is encourage him and show him the right way to do it. For example , say “Look, it’s better to do it this way.” while showing him how to do it. That will make him get better at it.

Which tasks at which age?

Choosing chores that are appropriate for the child and his age is a fundamental part of this process. Each task requires certain skills and your child will be able to perform different tasks as he gets older.

Below is a guide to some activities suitable for different ages:

2 to 3 year olds can…

• Cleaning up toys. In the beginning, it’s a good strategy to accompany this chore with a song. A very well-known song is “Cleaning, tidying up, everyone is doing their part.” The same goes for children’s books.
• Eating independently. Choose cutlery that he cannot injure himself with. It is best to start with a plastic spoon and then introduce a fork. While food and drink can get on the table, floor, or his clothes, it’s important to be patient so he can develop this skill.
• Clearing his clothes: Picking up clothes from the floor of his room or around the house and putting them in the closet.

• Watering the plants is another task that a child will enjoy and can do at this age.
• He can also pick up and dispose of garbage and clutter, such as paper or cardboard.

4 to 5 year olds can…

• Put him in charge of his own personal hygiene. He can wash his own body with a sponge or washcloth (with the supervision of his mom or dad), choose his clothes and get dressed.
• Going to the toilet alone. He is already out of diapers anyway and this will encourage him to go to the toilet alone.
• To set the table. This is a good opportunity to teach him where to put each utensil.
• Feeding the pets.
• Help to wash or dry the dishes.

6 to 9 year olds can…

• Independently in the shower. He no longer needs his mother or father to be with him when he is taking a shower.
• Make his bed. Keeping his desk clean and tidy and getting his things ready for school.

• Vacuum and dust the furniture.
• Prepare a simple meal, such as a sandwich.

10 to 12 year olds can…

• Cleaning his own room and other rooms in the house.
• Walking the dog.
• Hang up clothes that have been washed.
• Answer the phone.

Children over 12 can…

• Iron clothes.
• Sew on buttons.
• Do the garden.
• Helping care for his siblings.
• Go to the shop.

However, it’s important to avoid associating chores with punishment. “If you don’t do what you’re told, you’ll have to sweep the dining room all week.”

Instead, show him that all household chores are important and necessary. The idea is to encourage collaboration as a rule at home and in life.