Many Parents have asked me “What chores are right for my Child? Is there an age guide? Here is the answer to all your questions on age appropriate chores for children.

Toddlers can start ‘helping’ around the house from age 1. They can start taking on household chores and small tasks. Asides them actually helping out, these chores can also help them achieve their next milestones faster. These tasks range from cleaning up toys to putting on pajamas or throwing chocolate wraps in the bin.

Having them complete these tasks with little guidance in their early years will help with their overall development in the long run.

1. Age 1- 2 years old: Cleaning up their mess

One of the first basic chores kids learn is putting away their toys into the toy box after play. This encourages them to learn to always clean up their mess and after themselves. You can also teach your kid how to empty her plate into the trash can when done eating. Cleaning up toys allows your child to walk up and down with a toy in their hand, helping with their gross motor skills. It also helps them to identify where things belong.

2. Age 2-3 Years

Sort Clothes by Color

This helps them identify basic colours like blue, black, red and white. This activity helps your child’s sensory development. Focus on one color at a time “let’s get the red ones!”

Following Instructions

“Throw it in the trash” is a good place to start. Give your toddler instructions to follow.

Do as I do

Children are natural copycats. They love to do what mummy and daddy are doing. Do your house chores in the presence and get them age appropriate cleaning tools like a small broom or toy vacuum.

3-4 Years

Team work

When you have more than one child in your home, encourage teamwork. If your child has a sibling or friend, invite them to do a chore together like putting away toys in a storage bin. Each child brings you one toy at a time and taking turns they put everything away.

Close What You Open

Let them practice opening and closing containers when they play. Remind them to up the contain lid back on it when they take out what they need. Toy boxes, small jars or storage containers for toys, pencils, crayons, craft supplies and small toys is a good way to keep organized and help your child work on sorting skills.

4-5 Years

Getting Ready

Create a visual checklist or guide to help a child get ready in the morning. Use pictures that will help your child develop self care routines like brushing his teething, taking his bath, wearing his shoes, combing his hair etc.

Cut Your Food

At this age, your child can cut their own food. Take it a step further and let them pour, cut, and mash food. For example, your child could help you mash bananas for banana bread or potatoes for mashed potatoes.

5-6 Years

Get a Snack

At this age, your child can get their own snacks from the shelves or fridge.

Daily Tasks

They can now feed the dog and water the plant. You still need to supervise these activities.

Now you know there are many chores a child can have that actually give them an opportunity to learn new skills, practice executive functioning, motor, sensory, and communication skills.

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