Chores for Little Ones

I’ve talked before about the benefits of teaching your children how to help around the house. Both Drew and Carter enjoy helping me, and I’ve discovered that our days are much smoother if there is more structure in our lives. So I like to schedule work times.

When the boys begin to get fussy and cranky while playing together, I often find that a few minutes of working together evens out the tempers. It gives us time to do something together. I’m teaching, and they are learning and having fun at the same time. When the boys have too much free time, they begin to get fussy trying to find something to do. So when we work together it gives them something they enjoy doing while also not giving them a choice. Once our work is done, their attitudes have improved, and they are ready for some more free time playing together.

Drew’s Chores

~ putting the silverware away
~ making his bed (it consists of picking up the blankets and piling them on his bed)
~ picking up his bedroom
~ folding the cloths on laundry day
~ clearing his dishes from the table after a meal
~ unloading the dishwasher

Carter’s Chores

~ putting the tupperware away
~ picking up his bedroom
~ folding cloths on laundry day
~ clearing his dishes from the table after a meal
~ unloading the dishwasher

Drew can do all of his chores on his own with very little supervision. Carter still needs encouragement and help staying on track. As they get proficient in their jobs, I add another one. It is fun to have my boys help with the work. We laugh, play, and talk as we get the jobs done. It may take more time to get the work done with their help…but it is worth it!

For more suggestions on chores suitable for younger children, check out these links:

Chores for Little Children
Chore Time

This post is linked to Growing Home.