I'd like for my son to start learning how to help out a little. I'm not expecting him to clean house or anything not age-appropriate (I'm expecting somebody on here is bound to feel that's the case). He helps pick up his toys, he brushes his teeth, etc...but is there any way I can further instill more? For instance, would asking him to put his socks away after I've folded them be alright? Or do you have any more ideas?
2007-01-03 11:22:18 · 19 answers · asked by Suse 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My daughter will turn 4 next month.
She helps me match socks when I do laundry. She folds was rags and hand towels. She can pretty much put away her clothes after they are folded.
She helps wipe down the kitchen table. She helps Swiffer the kitchen floor. She uses a dustpan and wish broom under the kitchen table or to clean up little messes.
She can empty the trash can under her desk and put in a new bag.
She helps carry in and put away groceries.
Last summer she helped water our flowers and care for our garden.
When my son was this age, he helped dust the furniture.
My kids were all helping in the kitchen at that age. Stirring things, adding ingredients, putting away silverware from the dishwasher, kneading dough, rolling stuff out with a rolling pin, making crescent rolls, putting frozen food on baking sheets, setting the table for meals, etc.
A child this age can also help with feeding family pets.
ETA:
Helping with laundry is GREAT for their math skills. They learn to sort by color, to match things one to one, to measure, etc.
2007-01-03 11:28:22 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
well, I was raised on a farm and worked early.. so I do the same with my kid. At 10 months old I had her cleaning up 4 of her toys and I would do the rest. At four I had her cleaning her room (that is overwhelming and I had to help her). Also, she would help carry in the groceires. Dry the dishes (I would have to re-dry, lol). She would tidy the boots in the porch, feed the cat, etc... little jobs and she would get paid in stickers... cause at that age, money didn't mean anything. THen before we went to the city.. she got all her stickers taken down and got ten cents for each sticker.. then she got to go and spend it in the city... She is now 7 and has a great attitude towards work. The other day she was so excited to go see the fmaily for Chritmas.. I packed and she loaded every single suitcase into the car and remembered the dog. She did a great job and I didn't even ask... all I asked her to do was pack the dogs bag and some of her stuff... she goes over and beyond lots of times shocking me with her awesome work ethic, when i don't ask!
2007-01-03 19:33:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes putting his clothes away after they are folded should be fine, as long as he can easily reach the drawers. I think a good chore for a young child can be to empty the bathroom trash cans. Also, if he is tall enough, he can put the silverware away when the dishes are clean. I started my daughter out with the emptying the bathroom trash cans, now at age six, she cleans the powder room. I just added a little bit every couple of months, and because she got rewarded, she loved it. Now, I don't even have to tell her. On Friday after school, she just cleans the bathroom! It is a big help!
2007-01-03 19:32:57 · answer #3 · answered by sfb_wolfpack_girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My 3yr. old feeds the dog, puts his dishes away, helps with his laundry etc. My kids are 6 & 3 and have their own laundry day. They sort and they start each load. They also fold and put clothes away. Of course, I'm right there with them and I help them out,especially with the folding and putting away. But they do most of it.
For the most part they don't have specific chores assigned to them but I will ask for their help when I need it and if I think they're capable of helping. They both love to help out and are very good about it.
2007-01-03 19:40:46 · answer #4 · answered by Amelia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you are doing is great I have a daycare and there aren't many children that are made to do anything at home. The ones that do help with cleanup and brnging in there plates at lunch are the ones that are respectable responsible and well behavied. I think alot of parents have lost the idea of teaching there children responsibility.Maybe other things yuo can be doing such as after he eats you can have him clear his plate and cup and bring them to the sink. You could also do like you said with the socks that will also teach him with organization. Good luck!
2007-01-03 19:30:58 · answer #5 · answered by BabyDolll128 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These are things my 3 1/2 year old does. I have never told him to do these things, he just loves to help.
Feed dogs
Put dishes in the sink when he is done with them
Put a new plastic liner in the trash can
sweep the floor
wipe any wet spots on the floor
clean the toilet after he pees (he uses tissue to wipe the seat)
put toys away
he tries making his bed and sometimes it is perfect
put dishes in the dishwasher
Wipe things down after I have dusted
Put wet clothes into the dryer
There are probably more but I can't think of them.
2007-01-03 19:45:12 · answer #6 · answered by TRUE PATRIOT 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Having him put his socks away is a great idea! I have my 2 year old help me with laundry. Put her toys,clothes,etc in her room. She even helps take out the trash! Even if they don't do it exactly "right", they'll get the idea of helping mommy around the house! Which I'm sure his future wife will appriciate!! Good luck to you.
2007-01-04 00:34:56 · answer #7 · answered by euphoriarevelation 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would be fine to have him put his socks away. You could also have them match them up for you to fold. He can also probably fold wash cloths and small towels. And have him help set the table, at least the non-breakable things like silverware and plastic cups and such. Also have him straighten out his book-case when it starts to look messy.
2007-01-03 19:26:33 · answer #8 · answered by nimo22 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anything like that is fine. Even if you have to redo it. Have him make his bed in the mornings. Even if it doesn't look right compliment him on it to encourage continued efforts. As he progresses you can show him "how to do it a little better next time". Never criticise their efforts. Any household chores are fine. You are teaching him how to be a more responsible person. These little things now will have a big impact on their adult life.
2007-01-03 19:31:25 · answer #9 · answered by normy in garden city 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Putting away clothes (like socks or underwear) is a good idea. You can have him help set the table (like giving everyone a napkin). You can have him clean up his clothes after the bath and put away his towel. Hope those gave you some ideas. Good job momma!
2007-01-03 19:28:25 · answer #10 · answered by Kristin Pregnant with #4 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋