Simple Chores for Kids, Ages 3 and Older

Chores for the Preschooler; Chores for the Kindergartner

"Today's youth is lacking in work ethic." This is the chief complaint from employers of young workers today. As a parent the best thing you can do is to instill a sense of 'pride of work' in your children. Assigning simple chores for kids, while young, is a great way to start. Kids as young as two (sometimes younger) can benefit from simple chores. Obviously chores for the kindergartner can be more complex and regimented than the very simple chores for kids age two or three.

Simple chores for kids are best started early. With toddlers, around two years old, start with the basics - put the toys in the box, put the pull-up in the garbage, put the cup in the sink, etc... Keep it very basic. By including your very young child in simple chores, they learn responsibility. By doing everything for your youngster, you are actually doing your child disservice, and encouraging lackadaisical habits. When you are dusting, let your toddler help. Give him/her a rag or duster too; they generally have great fun too. (A word of caution - don't let the toddler dust fragile items)