But what sort of chores should they do? And how do I know what they are capable of doing?

For younger children I have found that they need the everyday predictability of chores. This means that they have to know that they set the table EVERY day. They brush their teeth EVERY day. Put away their toys EVERY day. It isn’t until they are around 9 or 10 yrs old they seem to have the ability to recognize when a chore needs to be done and do it accordingly.

Think of the younger years as setting the groundwork for meaningful chores in the future. If your 2, 3, and 4 year olds are accustom to doing chores and helping out around the house it is very unlikely that they will suddenly balk at doing chores when they are older.

2-3 yr olds:

At this age they are really just learning to be a part of the team. Children this age love to help. Sometimes their help makes more work on your part, but if you try to think of ways to incorporate them into your tasks they, and in turn you, will be much happier.

• help unload the dishwasher by putting away tupperware, or their own plastic cups and plates (store these items down low to aid in their efforts)
• put wet clothing into the dryer (you hand them wet items and let them put it in the dryer)
• dinner preparation, toddler version also known as keeping them busy and out of your hair while you try to make nutritious well balanced meals that everyone will turn their noses up at (let them stand on a step stool where they can wash vegetables in the sink –my potatoes have never been so clean.)
• dust (great use for all those leftover mismatched socks, put one on the toddler’s hand, you spray the windex or polish and let them dust until their little heart is content)
• fluff the throw pillows (Oh mine love this! Take the throw pillows off the furniture and jump up and down on them until they are properly fluffed)
• throw recyclables into the outdoor bin (my 2 yr old son’s favorite)
• put clothing in the hamper
• help match socks in the clean laundry bin
• collecting sticks off the grass in anticipation of mowing (hopefully b y an older child)

4-5 yr olds:

• Set the table : folding napkins, learning where the utensils go, put any necessary condiments on the table(make sure you put the dishes and bowls on the table. They can put them into each person’s place, but you usually don’t want children this age carrying a stack of breakable dishes across the room.)
• line shoes up neatly in mudroom
• help unpack and put away groceries
• put away silverware from dishwasher
• wash off table and chairs after meals
• get mail from mailbox

These younger ages it is tempting to just do the chores yourself. You rationalize that it takes less time. You don’t want to make them unhappy. You would rather have the job done “right.” You fear that you will be over burdening their delicate little psyches. Trust me. It is easier to start a good habit like doing daily chores from the beginning than to try and undo the bad habit of not doing any chores later on.