FIRST CIRCLE LEARNING CENTER • BLOG POST NO. 07

why

should

kids do

chores?

When we think about chores, we often envision them as mundane tasks that adults begrudgingly perform to keep the household running. However, encouraging toddlers and preschoolers to help around the house not only builds essential skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and self-worth. Here’s why introducing chores to your little one helps build lifelong skills, responsibility, and independence, and strengthens family bonds.

we’re
all in this
together

In order for the family unit to function well, everyone pitches in. Doing chores shows kids that they are part of a group and that they can contribute something to make it even better.

it feels
good to help
others

Doing chores shows them that other people rely on them. It shows them that the jobs they do are appreciated by others and it feels good to help others.

building confidence and pride

Doing chores builds a child’s confidence in their abilities and instills pride in a job well done.

learning
skills to last
a lifetime

Children learn the value of work and completing a task. They learn life skills that they will use throughout their lives.

5 ways

to praise

1. acknowledge their effort

  • Recognize their hard work, even if the result isn't perfect.
  • EXAMPLE: I can see you worked really hard to wipe down the table. It looks so much better now!

2. offer encouraging words

  • Give them words that make them feel proud of their effort.
  • EXAMPLE: You did a wonderful job helping with the laundry today! I’m so proud of you for helping out.

3. praise their responsibility

  • Reinforce that they are being responsible and helpful.
  • EXAMPLE: You’re such a big helper! It’s awesome how you took care of your own laundry.

4. give high fives or hugs

  • Physical praise, like a high five, a hug, or a fist bump, can be very encouraging.
  • EXAMPLE: Yay! You did it! High five!

5. use positive reinforcement

  • Celebrate their success with enthusiasm and encouragement.
  • EXAMPLE: Wow! You put all the books back where they belong! You’re really good at keeping things organized.

helping your child help you

Aside from why doing chores is beneficial, parents want to know what kids can help with, and when they can start. Most kids are capable of far more than parents ask them to do. By the time your children are ready to leave home (it happens faster than you think), they will have a variety of life skills and the knowledge needed to make it on their own.

PICK UP BOOKS AND TOYS

At the end of the day, make it a habit of asking your child to do a quick sweep of their room for toys and books that they were playing with that day. You can even make a game of it by telling them that it is time for their toys to go to bed as well.

SET THE TABLE

When it is time to eat, ask your child to help set the table. Start out by asking them how many place settings you need to set and then collect all of the dishes, silverware, and cups you need.
 
Then let them help you put everything on the table.

MAKING BEDS

When you go through the house to straighten up the beds, ask your child to help. This can include changing the sheets and pillowcases on a regular basis.

HELP WITH LAUNDRY

The next time you have to do laundry, enlist the aid of your toddler. Let them help you gather up the dirty laundry from around the house and carry it to the laundry room.
 
Show them how to sort the clothes by color. Let them help you load the washing machine as well as measure and pour the laundry detergent.
 
Once the clothes are clean, pass clothes to them to put in the dryer. Then they can help you fold clothes and take them back to the bedrooms to store in drawers.

HELP WITH GROCERIES

When you go to get groceries, take your child with you to pick out and pay for the groceries. Then, once you are home, enlist their help in putting away the groceries.

DUSTING

Hand your child a pair of socks and tell them to put them on their hands. When they stop laughing and telling you that you’re silly, tell them that you are going to have fun rounding up dust bunnies around the house.
 
Show them a few areas of the house where dust normally accumulates (such as on wooden furniture and floorboards) and ask them to help you clear it all up.

CLEAN UP SPILLS AND MESSES

If there is a small mess to clean up, let your child help by handing them a cloth rag, a small broom, or a mop.
 
When they finish, make a big deal about how helpful they were and how well they did cleaning up.

preschooler sweeping

chores by age

toddlers: 2-3 years old

  • Clean up toys
  • Put dirty clothes in the hamper or designated spot
  • Put clean clothes away
  • Sort clothes by color
  • Put books in the bookcase
  • Fold washcloths
  • Dust baseboards

preschoolers: 4-5 years old

  • All of the above plus
  • Help feed pets
  • Set the table
  • Load the dishwasher
  • Water the plants
  • Match up socks
  • Sort clean silverware
  • Clear table after meals
  • Prepare simple snacks

elementary: 6-9 years old

  • All of the above plus
  • Fold towels
  • Sweep or dust mop floors
  • Sort laundry
  • Wipe counter tops
  • Empty the dishwasher
  • Dust furniture
  • Hose off the patio
  • Put groceries away
  • Replace the toilet paper roll
  • Sort the recycling items
  • Help with meal prep