When it comes to chores for my kids, I’m starting out small. I don’t use a chore chart or a daily list of things that need to be done, I just encourage them to help when the opportunity arises and provide them with ways they can be a part.
(Thanks for allowing me to include affiliate links in this post. It helps keep my site going.)
If I am doing chores then I have them help me with these beginner ideas. I don’t want to wait until they are older and then suddenly thrust them into responsibility.
7 Beginner Chores for Your Little One
Cleaning Surfaces – I have adored the Better Life cleaning products since I saw them on Shark Tank
. Their stuff is completely non-toxic, they don’t have a single warning label on the bottle. Plus, they do a better job of cleaning that a lot of other cleaners. This makes the perfect way to introduce your kids to cleaning.
Matching Socks – One portion of the laundry young kids can help with is matching up all the socks
. They may not be able to fold the rest of it, but this task is simple and is also a great activity for the mind!
Vacuuming – Unless your vacuum
is too heavy or you feel it’s unsafe for another reason, young kids can totally do this chore. In fact, my son loves it! I usually have to go back and get the spots he missed but that’s not the point – they are helping and that’s what matters. (I use a Shark, BTW and I adore it.)
Putting Away Toys – Sometimes a messy room or play area can seem really overwhelming. So instead of giving an open command of “go pick up” I have been giving specific instructions. For instance, “put all of the balls in the red bin
” or “find all of the books and stack them.” This works out so much better!
Starting the Dishwasher – I don’t mean loading it, I simply mean guiding them through the steps of running it. Assist them with putting in the detergent
(if you use the pods, that makes it easier and safer) closing it, and pushing the right buttons.
Washing Their Toys – Occasionally we give our toys a “bath” to get rid of all those germs – especially after a bout of sickness has rolled through. I run hot warm with dish soap in the kitchen sink and let them dump toys in. Then, after they sit for a while, they get up on a stool and rinse them off.
Carrying in Groceries – Let your kids take in a bag or two when unloading the groceries. I always look through and grab the one that is the lightest and doesn’t contain something fragile. Or, I’ll give them a pack of toilet paper
or paper towels. Anything that makes them feel like they are contributing!
And remember, when they are done give lots of praise and high-fives. They’ll be excited to help out next time!
Next up!
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.