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Debating on if your child should do chores or not?

Find out why your child SHOULD do chores…

some of the reasons may surprise you!

When I had my oldest daughter, I was in the beginning of my Montessori training and was learning all about the life skills Children learn while doing work in the Practical Life area of the classroom. The Practical Life area in a Montessori classroom environment teaches children how to care for themselves, each other, and their environment through carefully thought out materials and lessons. My oldest daughter had to do chores, and once I had my youngest daughter, she also had to do chores.

I personally think that chores are important for children. I learned a ton of valuable skills from doing chores. Whether you have one child or multiple children, they can definitely benefit from doing chores.

10 ways your child will benefit from doing chores

Studies have shown that:

1. Chores teach children valuable life-skills

2. Chores provide movement and development of their fine & gross motor skills

3. Children learn how to work well with others

4. Chores teach children responsibility & self-discipline and boosts self esteem

5. Children who do chores can grow up to be more successful

6. Children who do chores can be happier adults

7. Children who do chores learn how to manage time

8. They can be better at managing money in the future

9. They tend to have better relationships

10. Children who do chores are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification

As you can see, there are many benefits to children doing chores; immediate and for the future! If you are not sure on what chores are appropriate for your child, read on to find some great ideas!

7 Age appropriate chores for children 18 months to 3 years old

Children around this age learn by watching and doing. If you show them how something is done, they will mirror your actions. This is what makes Montessori stand out among other educational philosophies; the Practical Life lessons on every day skills. Children in a Montessori Toddler environment are capable of completing these tasks, and much more! 

1. Pick up their toys and books

Even though they are young, they are still capable of picking up their toys and books. Provide bins or baskets for them to put their toys and books in. Show them how to sort and put their toys away.

2. Help clean up messes

Your little ones can definitely help in cleaning up their messes! With a little direction from you, you can show them ways to clean up their messes.

3. Crumb the table

A crumb is a small, table broom. The crumb comes with a tiny dustpan. It is used to sweep up the dry crumbs so that when you wipe off the table, the crumbs do not fall on the floor. Here is a crumbers that is perfect for little hands!

4. Put laundry in hamper

Provide a small hamper for your child, and put it in a convenient place for them to easily access it. Show them that is where they put their dirty clothes.

5. Help feed pets

Even though they are little, they can help with the feeding of your pets. With adult supervision, they can learn how to assist you with the feeding of your pets. Who wouldn’t want a little helper?!

6. Match socks

Young children learn many tasks through matching. They are totally capable of matching their socks and helping with their laundry!

7. Wipe off tables

If you show them how to wipe off a table, they can do this! Provide small hand towels for them to use so that it makes it easier for them.

7 Age appropriate chores for children 3 to 6 years old

Children around this age are capable of understanding the importance of caring for themselves and their environment. They are old enough to be responsible for much of the care of themselves, and enjoy being able to demonstrate their independence. They develop confidence and pride in being able to do tasks on their own.

1. Sweeping

Children at this age are able to sweep up messes on their own. Providing a small, age appropriate broom and dustpan will make it easier for them.  Here is a great set for children to use!

2. Help wash dishes

Anything water related young kids love! They will readily want to help wash dishes. You can provide a place where they can wash dishes independently, or set up a space for them to help you. You can use a portable dish washing station or you can use a helper ladder for them to help you at the sink.

3. Help pack their lunch

Children at this age can definitely be helpful in helping to pack their lunches. They are capable of getting items to put in their lunch, as well as help with the preparation of it as well. Give them small, easy tasks at first, then add more difficult ones once they get used to helping.

4. Help prepare their snack

Children as young as 2 can help with preparing their snacks. They can help with things like spreading jam on bread, getting crackers, and even slice their banana. There are many child appropriate, safe tools to use in snack preparation. Here are some of my favorites!

5. Help sort, fold and put away laundry

Similar to the tasks for the younger child, younger children can help with simple laundry tasks. With a little help and direction from a parent, they can help sort laundry. They can also fold their laundry and put it away in its appropriate place once shown. Provide an easy, child friendly place for them to be able to assist with putting away their laundry.

6. Water plants and flowers

With proper supervision, children at this age can definitely help take care of plants. They actually LOVE participating in this activity. They take great pride in being able to care for something.

7. Help set the table

At this age, children are very good helpers. They are very capable and willing to help with setting the table. Under the supervision of an adult, you will see that this will quickly become one of their favorite chores to do!

Things to consider

Overall, it is important to consider each child’s development and abilities. Not all chore ideas are a good fit for each child. Use this a guide for age appropriate chore ideas for your child. Adjust the chore lists accordingly to meet the individual needs of each child.

Do your children do chores? Why or why not? I’m interested to hear your thoughts! Share your opinions on this topic as well as tell us about some of the chores your children do!