There are many simple chores for preschoolers that your child can help with around the house. While children may not be able to tackle bigger chores by themselves, they can definitely assist with smaller tasks. You don’t need to make it seem like a huge chore. Having your child help you around the house can allow them to learn how to follow instructions, keep their belongings tidy, and help out around the house. Here are some ideas.
Having your child put their toys away is a great chore that they can do daily.
Allow your child to have a place for their toys, whether it’s a basket, bin, or shelf. Have your child put their toys away after they are done playing.
If your child is on the younger side, you can always tell them to put one toy away at a time. “Please put the blocks in the basket.” Then have them put away the next set of toys.
Another chore that you can have your child help with is putting their books away.
After your child is done with their books, have them place them back on the bookshelf or in a basket. This allows your child to help carry the books and place them where they belong. Though it may seem like a simple task, it allows your child to help keep their belongings organized.
When your child has dirty clothes, have them put them in the hamper instead of throwing them on the floor.
After your child gets dressed in the morning or at the end of the day, remind them to place their clothes in the hamper. You can also show your child where to put their clothes and help them out as they learn.
Another chore your child can help with is setting the table.
Depending on your child’s age, they can help you carry napkins, place utensils, and cups. Start with having them do one task. Maybe they can place a napkin at each setting. As they get better, you can have them help with more.
Once you get home from the grocery store, you can have your child help put groceries away.
Have your child place certain groceries in their proper location. They can help with cereal, napkins, and other light objects. This is a great chore to have your child practice organization as well.
Matching socks can be a fun chore for your child to help with.
Give your child a few pairs of socks and have them match them up. Once they have matched the socks, they can place them in a basket or drawer. Your child will be learning how to identify like colors and objects.
After meals or activities, your child can help you wipe off a table.
Have your child wipe across the table with a wet rag. You can have them wipe off one side of the table. You don’t have to expect your child to clean the whole table. Just allow them to help.
You can also have your child help you water plants.
Show your child how to water the plants and give them a small amount of water to use. They can become responsible for watering the plants each day. Your child will learn how to remember to do a task and help take care of something.
If you have pets, your child can help feed them.
They can help scoop out food or fill up a pet’s water. Make sure to consider your child’s age and what animal you have when deciding if this is an appropriate chore.
Your child can help put their own belongings away as well, such as their shoes, coat, and backpack. They can learn to take care of their things and put them away when they are done using them.
Having your child help put their things away can benefit them when they start attending preschool. They will learn how to take care of their things at home and can apply that to preschool.
Remember that your child is still young, so they will need help learning how to do tasks. By giving your child simple chores, they will learn how to accomplish tasks.
You can have your child help with 1-2 chores at a time, rather than expecting them to clean their whole room. Show your child what you want them to do and have them try. Keep in mind it may take them longer to complete the chore, and it may not be up to standard. But allow your child to learn.
You can also incorporate chores into your daily routine:
Once your child starts learning how to do chores, you can have them do more. There will be days that they won’t remember to do the chore or may need assistance. But there will also be days that they do the chore without any help.
By allowing your child to help with simple chores, they will learn how to be independent, whether you are teaching them in the classroom at Olney or helping them learn at home.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
