10 Chores for Preschoolers and up

Have kids? Think you need a maid? Think again! Put their boundless energy to work! Chores are a great way to teach kids about responsibility, and help build self-esteem. Here’s a list of some suggested chores to keep the kiddos busy.

1. Make the bed — Younger kids can help strip the bed, fluff pillows, and get fresh sheets from the linen closet.
2. Fold socks and/or towels — This is a great way to introduce kids to folding their own laundry. 
3. Sweep the floor — This is one of Emily’s favorite chores.
4. Wash windows — Another favorite. A soapy sponge and a towel works well.
5. Pick up toys — Emily started doing this from the time she could walk, and now I am so grateful that she knows her toys are her responsibility. If possible, make this a habit from an early age.
6. Weeding/Watering Flower Beds — Emily has kid-sized gardening gloves and small gardening tools to make this job a little more fun. She also loves picking up twigs, and raking leaves with a kid-sized rake. Teach your kids how to water the flowers, and you will be teaching them about science and nature too.
7. Dusting — I get the high spots, and Emily gets the low spots. She loves using the feather duster!
8. Clean the car — The car is frequently over-looked, but it is really an extension of your home. Kids can pick up toys, wash windows, and help give the car a good washing.
9. Set the Table — I usually take out a stack of plates, and hand them to Emily to set the table for us. She can get the silverware herself, and Mark gets the glasses and drinks.
10. Clearing the Table — Teach the kids how to scrape their plates, and place them by the sink or in the dishwasher. This can be a big time-saver.