Community Corner
Household Chores for Toddlers and Preschoolers
A Rancho Bernardo mom shares how she gets her young children involved in household activities—and keeps it fun.
Children ages 1 to 5 have an insatiable amount of energy and I’m always looking for new and productive ways to channel my kids' enthusiasm into something productive. My boys are 3 and 4, and one thing I love about this stage is that everything can be fun, including chores!
Mine love to help out and get a sense of pride and accomplishment from doing things on their own, plus I believe it’s important to keep up and take pride in your home. I surveyed other parents of toddlers/ preschoolers to see what types of help children are giving their parents these days:
- Age 2
Kids this age want to get into everything and can possibly make chores more work for you, so it’s best to keep it simple. Ask them to find all the socks in the clean laundry. They can clean up their toys on their own, help put laundry from the washer into the dryer and even assist in dusting with a sock or Swiffer duster.
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- Age 3
A bit more coordinated! If your children recognize colors, they can help separate darks from white laundry. They can help make sure light switches are all turned off before leaving the house. They can start separating more clean laundry and put easy clothes away (my son’s socks and underpants are in a bottom drawer for this purpose). Even light cleaning with a towel with water on it.
- Age 4
Love this age—my son is a huge help to me! He and other kids we know have taken over the pet-feeding duties in their home. A spray bottle with vinegar and water allows little helpers to clean anything safely (natural/green cleaners are great, too). Kids this age can make their bed, unload utensils (sans knives) from the dishwasher, help set and clear the table, pull weeds, sweep the floor and separate items for recycling. For reasons I don’t argue with, my 4-year-old loves to help me clean the bathroom! He’s in charge of wiping counters, the front of cabinets, mopping the floor and organizing bath toys.
Keep in mind that at this age positive reinforcement and encouragement is key. I try never to criticize my boys' hard work; suggestions are fine, but negative comments will discourage them from wanting to help. I always preface a suggestion with praise. For example, “Wow buddy, great job! The counters look very clean and shiny. Next time try using a little less cleaner, it will make it easier to wipe up!”
We use a simple chore chart for our boys, to help reinforce good behaviors and reward help around the house. At this age the chores are easier to get them to participate in than some of the behavioral changes! I know it won’t be long before I get eye-rolls and protests when I ask for help, but right know I’m embracing the enthusiasm they show in being mommy’s little helper.
