At an early age, children can begin contributing to household chores and tasks. This process is vital for their development as it teaches them to be clean, tidy and organized. It also helps the child develop work ethics and management skills, per Parenting Squad.
Children can do their load of the household chores after school hours, but it's important for parents to make sure that the tasks are specific to their age, per Raising Children. Some tasks may be too hard that it will only end up frustrating both child and parent, and some tasks may be too dangerous for the younger ones that accidents could happen.
Web MD suggested parents shouldn't insist on perfection if the kids would like to help, but they must also not hold the children back due to concerns that they could make mistakes. No child is too young to pull their leg in the house and the biggest lesson that they can pick from this is responsibility.
Children should also be eased into their chores, as the first few instances will likely have blunders. If that's the case, parents must be gentle and patient with reminders so as not to discourage their son or daughter from helping out.
Some tasks are more fun if done together as a family, such as preparing dinners, clearing out the table and cleaning the kitchen after a meal. In some cases, rewards like money, books or toys may be used as incentives to encourage children to contribute more, per Raising Children.
Below is a list of age-appropriate household chores the children can do after school.
For toddlers and preschoolers:
- Pick up their toys and store these properly after playing.
- Throw diapers and candy wrappers in the trash.
- Wipe low surfaces such as the refrigerator door or the front of the oven, provided this has not just been used for baking.
- Assist in setting up the dining table.
- Unload the dishwasher.
- Straighten up the bookshelf.
- Fold towels.
For children from six to nine years old, in addition to previous chores:
- Take clothes out of the dryer.
- Fold clothes.
- Sweep the floor.
- Empty the trash can.
- Organize their toy cabinet.
For children above ten years old, in addition to previous chores:
- Take of pets.
- Pull weeds in the garden.
- Prepare simple meals.
- Do basic laundry.
- Mop floors.
- Mow the backyard.
- Watch younger siblings.
