10 Chores For Kids To Do As Early As 4 and Under

10 Chores For Kids To Do As Early As 4 And Under

At what age should you start giving your children chores and responsibility?  To me, the earlier the better!  As parents, we carry the weighty responsibility of training our children.  I have always thought it be best to train them from an early age. Here is a list of 10 chores for kids 4 and under (although these can also be used if they are older).

Pick up toys:

Such a simple chore is so helpful for any mom.  I started making my girls pick up their toys and put them in there bin as early as 1.  At first, show them exactly what you mean by doing it with them, not for them.  They will quickly get it.  Now I simply look at my 1.5-year-old and say “go pick up your toys and put them away,” and she knows exactly what to do.

Put items in the garbage:

Show your kids where the garbage is and train them to put whatever belongs in the garbage, in the garbage on there own.  For instance, when I change my youngest one’s diaper, I nicely fold it all up and get my 3.5 years old to go and put it in the garbage for me.  Same with any snacks or wrapper packages.  Whenever there are items that need to go in the garbage that is age-appropriate, get them to do it.

Unload the dishwasher:

My 3.5-year-old loves helping me unload the dishwasher.  She likes handing me the items while I put them away.  Please note:  I DO NOT let them touch any of the cutlery as there are knives and sharp items in there.  I always grab the items in the basket or any sharp items that could hurt them first and then welcome the help.

Once the dishwasher is re-loaded, I let her put the washing tab in the holder and turn the dishwasher on.

Walk the dog:

If you have a dog, get them involved in walking the dog.  We don’t have a dog, but my in-laws do and our 3.5-year-old LOVES taking the dog out for a walk whenever she can.

Feed the animals:

Get them involved in feeding your animals.  Help them fill the animal food and water.

Strip the bedding/help with laundry:

We recently started getting our 3.5 years old to strip her bedding when it’s time to be washed and bring it to the laundry.  Our 1.5 year old also likes to take all the damp laundry out and pass it to me to put into the dryer.  Even if it’s one piece at a time, it is such good training for them.

Vaccum:

This one is optional, but my oldest loves the vacuum.  Once I am done vacuuming our place, I let her go around with it and “tidy up” (as she likes to call it).  This lets her feel involved in the cleaning process.  Now she has grown to love vacuuming and is the first to offer a helping hand with it.

Prep Dinner:

Let them help you prep dinner in whatever possible.  Ripping the lettuce, pouring sauces in a pan, putting potatoes in a dish, etc…

Clean up the dishes:

We ask our oldest to take the dishes one by one and put them on the counter for us.  She loves doing it.  It’s like her way of being a big kid.  Now she’s got to the point where she makes us sit until all the dishes at the dinner table have been cleared.

Fold laundry:

My daughter one day just started taking the laundry and “folding it.”  Let me be honest…It’s more like she takes the clothes and rolls them into balls.  But you know what?  In her head, she is folding the laundry and helping and I am not going to discourage that.

I Hope You Enjoyed These 10 Chores For Kids To Do – Let Them Start Helping Today!

Those are my 10 chores for kids to do from a young age but there are so many more I am sure we could go on about.  For instance, my oldest helps me feed my youngest, she helps put her shoes on and her socks on, etc…When you start from a young age, training your children to take on responsibility and help out, it naturally progresses into so much more than just chores and there willingness to help increases.

Start now, you won’t regret it!  Drop some more ideas below in the comments to keep the chore train rollin’.  Check out more age-appropriate chores here!

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Xo, Asia