I'm gonna have a 5 year old soon. I'm dying on the inside and not so secretly wishing for more babies. Okay, I thought it was a little secret but I've kinda been open about it. Just in case you're wondering, no, there are no babies in sight for us. Womp Womp.
My girl continues to surprise me. Sometimes I think it's just that I don't give her enough credit. I mean, I know how smart she is, she just kills me when she does such grown up things. Like being a helper. Yeah, Johannah, if you're reading this (she can't read, y'all) stop helping me.
A few weeks ago, I had her pick up the utensils from the dishwasher. It blew my mind how much fun she thought it was. I can't say it enough, folks. Train a child up. I know she won't always think that helping and chores are fun, but she will learn that being helpful is a valued trait in a person.
Since then, I've been handing off a little more responsibility to her. Why didn't you guys tel me how much fun handing out chores are? I mean sure, sometimes I still have to do them after her. She is only four, so don't throw any stones. But I could totally get used to this.
10 Chores for Preschoolers + Preschooler's Chore Chart Printable
1. Clean up toys
We do this one different ways. If the kids are really rambunctious, I make them tidy up a little a few times a day so that the day doesn't end with a complete mess. Other times, I help them tidy up before bed. Toys like Play-doh, paint, colors and markers are to be picked up the moment they are finished being played with.
2. Pick up utensils
I set the whole utensil holder on the counter above the utensil drawer for Johannah. By the time I'm finished unloading the rest of the dishwasher, she's finished with the utensils. We spend a couple moments talking, I thank her, and she loves knowing how big of a helper she is!
3. Make bed
This isn't one we work on too much. Okay, I've never made my kid make her bed. If I'm honest, there are two times when any beds in this house get made; when special company comes over and once a week when the sheets are changed.
4. Dust
I've heard of parents putting long socks on their kid's hands and letting them go at it, but we just use a Swiffer Duster or a microfiber duster. My kids think it's a game and take turns scooping up the magic dust. Easy as pie.
5. Sort dirty clothes
I hate laundry. Just pass it off.
6. Match/Fold Socks
As you're folding the clothes, throw all the socks in a pile and let the kids play the matching game. Plus socks are so easy to fold and it's pretty hard to mess them up when little hands are picking up.
7. Pickup clean laundry
This one is a little tricky. If you've got some rowdy kids, send them with pieces to pick up as you fold them. If not, you may want to carry the clothes for the kids and then let them pick them up with a little assistance.
8. Rinse dishes
Around here, we don't wash many dishes. Almost everything goes in the dishwasher. ain't nobody got time fo that. So the few dishes that I do wash, Johannah can help rinse! As far as washing, well she just plays in the suds.
9. Collect garbage
Have kids take turns collecting the garbage from the small pails in the house, to the larger one.
10. Sweep
Get one of these small handheld brooms. Another way to minimize messes by teaching your kids to clean up after themselves!
Besides teaching kids Christ, teaching kids responsibility at a young age is one of the most important things you can teach them. A heart for Christ and a good work ethic could take you a long way!
You can laminate the Preschooler's Chore Chart, with 10 filled chores for preschoolers, and hang on the ice box, or put in a frame under glass. That way, you can use a dry erase marker to mark completed chores each day and then erase in preparation for following week!
Have you downloaded our Preschooler's Chore Chart?
