How to create a chore list for young kids and put it into practice
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Ever since my son was almost 2 years old, I started to implement a list of chores he could do in the house. I created a simple chore list for young kids, and I began to put them into practice at home.
Teaching my son how to do different chores and involving him in almost everything I do in the house has a great effect on him. He is an independent boy, and he likes helping and doing things on his own.
I don’t believe in chore charts and rewarding kids for chores. Because at young ages they are really curious to find out how chores are done and are driven by their intrinsic motivation.
In my opinion, the best approach is to let them try even if they are still young. It might not be easy at first, but in time it’s wonderful to see your child doing a lot of chores even without being asked.
The best way to teach a young child to do a chore is to do it in front of him several times. He will become curious about it, and he will want to try.
Letting him try even if he’s not good at it yet gives him more independence and confidence.
Children learn to do chores when the parents are playful about them!
We had a list of chores in our previous house, and I read it from time to time with my son. I told him what chores he was able to do and what chores he will learn in the future.
He was always very enthusiastic about learning to do new things, so getting through the list made him eager to try to complete new tasks.
Now we moved to a new home, and it was time for a new list, so I created one nice list I’m sharing with you (see below how to download the printable).
The chore list includes 2 categories:
- the general ones that the kids can do in the house
- the ones related to self-care.
For us, the second ones are the most challenging right now. So I included them on a separate list to make them more visible. 🙂
I believe that this list of chores can be done by children ages 2 to 5. The only difference is the level of involvement needed from the parent.
Kids can amaze you with the things they are capable of doing.
For example, 2-year old kids cannot get dressed all on their own. But you can start by asking them to put on their pants. Every small step in doing these chores gives the child a little more self-confidence and independence.
Going through the list with your child at regular times (one per week, for example) gives you the opportunity to discuss with them about what they learned and what new chores they could try next week.
It’s not about rewarding or punishing – it’s just a nice way to encourage the child to become more independent. And to show him how many things he has already learned!
I think that by the age of 5, most kids can fully complete the list! Especially if they start when they are young and receive enough support from their parents.
You can find the list of chores for young kids below, but you can also download a printable list of chore ideas for all ages using the instructions from the end of the article.
Chore list for young kids: General chores in the house
♥ Put toys and books away
♥ Make the bed (with adult help)
♥ Load and unload washing mashing and dishwasher
♥ Help put away groceries
♥ Hang clothes to dry
♥ Help set and clean table
♥ Clean spills
♥ Wipe the table before and after meals
♥ Water plants
♥ Wipe cabinets
♥ Dust
♥ Wash dishes (with adult help)
♥ Match socks
♥ Help with preparing meals
♥ Help feed the pets
♥ Help sweep floor
♥ Help at the grocery store (getting items from the shelf).
Chore list for young kids: Chores related to self-care
♥ Get dressed and undressed
♥ Brush teeth (with adult supervision)
♥ Put dirty clothes into the laundry basket
♥ Comb/brush hair
♥ Put on shoes (with help)
Download the printable list of age-appropriate chore ideas
If you are looking for chore ideas that are appropriate for your child’s age both now and later on, as they grow up, here is a list with many ideas to help you involve your child in many of the household tasks.
To download the printable, click on the below link.
⭐ Download the list of chore ideas for kids
I hope it will help you involve your child in a lot of chores around the house!
photo credit preview photo: Evgeny Atamanenko / shutterstock.com
I make the kids at school do chores…they actually enjoy cleaning
I love how small kids enjoy doing chores just because they’re fun. I have a tween and a teen and often need a cattle prod to get them moving, but they can fix their own food at this point so I suppose it’s a trade off. Pinned to my parenting board. Hope you have a great day!
These are great ideas! I ask my kids to do some small chores around the house whenever I can and they usually oblige.
Belle | One Awesome Momma
These are great ideas. My youngest is two and tries to fold her clothes. She is so enthusiastic about helping that I really want to give her more to do!
Great ideas!! I think it’s so essential to start teaching kids young the importance of helping out around the home!
These are great lists! I always got my kids to help when they were little. Now all I need is one to get teenagers to do the same chores
Great post! Assigning chores from a young age teaches responsibility and life long lessons, they’re never too young to start with age appropriate chores.
What great ideas! My daughter has some chores. For the most part she does them, but sometimes she’ll complain like when she has to do the cat box.
I was JUST thinking about this this morning. Lol. I need to get my kids doing more chores. So as I sit here tying this comment, my 6 year old is making her OWN lunch. 🙂
This is a great list of ideas! I have kids ranging from a year old to 6 years old. They love helping with chores. I agree that kids are curious how chores are done!
This is super important to teach your children earlier on. Great post and I love that the chores are easy to do. Helps give your kiddos confidence
This is a great list for getting kids to help around the house. I’ll have to pass it on to my friends with kids.
I’m not a mom yet but this is really a great idea! I like the idea that you’ll do the task in front of the children watching because we know that they tend to get more curious. I’d love to have this list of chores for my child in the future.
I love lists, and I always have. So, it is nice to see this coming into good use for kids too. The list itself is also really nice. I think this will really come in handy.
Thanks for sharing these chores for kids. When J got my own kid, I will teach him/her with these chores. 🙂
Such great ideas! I definitely remember doing chores and it’s a great way to help out.
Great posts on chores for kids!!! I need this very much, the kids are old enough to learn responsibility.
Bookmarked! I might need this printable for myself lol
I remember my mom put me to do small chores when I was younger and I actually liked it! Make me realize how important it was to help in the house since a young age.