Chores for Toddlers

So I'm trying something new this year. I am going to get the kids involved in the daily house cleaning. Bryce, the 10 yr. old, will be responsible for cleaning her room, the bathroom, vacuuming the living room and she has to help me with laundry. She will also be responsible for setting and clearing the table before and after each meal. Finding chores for Bryce was easy.

Now, I needed to figure out some chores that my four-year old could help with. So, after lots of contemplating and online research (to see what other moms are doing) I came up with a few things. Chase is now responsible for picking up his toys but since it's too much to expect that he'll put everything in its place, I'll give him an empty laundry basket to place the toys in. Once the toys are in the basket, he'll carry (or drag) the basket into his bedroom. After that, when I have a few minutes, we'll both go into his room and empty the basket together. That way, the toys get put where they belong and Chase will learn where they go when they get picked up.

Also, he is in charge of feeding the dog, watering the plants, and he has to put his own dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Of course, I will have to remind him constantly (he is only four) but he'll eventually learn what's expected of him.

I believe that chores are good for kids. Daily chores help teach the kids responsibilty. This is going to be a learning experience for everyone involved but it'll work. Of course the kids aren't all that happy about it. I think they both wish that we had a maid to clean up after them but that's never going to happen!

Pamela