7 chores that will teach your child about responsibility

Children love to help, even if they're not fully capable of completing the full task at hand. They love to feel needed and responsible, and we as parents should guide this attitude to cultivate and groom them into responsible adults.

Though they may not be able to do much, there should be some age-appropriate chores that they are allowed to do around the house so that they would be able to learn.

Here are 7 age-appropriate chores that would teach your child about responsibility:

1. Teach him to put his toys away

For toddlers:

when he's done playing with them. Provide the storage bins and ensure that he has easy access to the bins.

2. Saying 'thank you' when necessary.

For toddlers:

This teaches him to be polite and to be courteous, whether it's towards the waiter or his family members.

3. Set the table

For preschoolers:

Assign him the role of setting up the tables by placing the forks and spoons at the appropriate locations.

4. Tidy up his room.

For preschoolers:

It doesn't have to be spick and span, but you could guide him as you teach him how to arrange his desk neatly, or even how to put his books in order.

5. Pack his own lunch.

For kids aged 6-11

If your child packs his lunch to school, there is no harm in teaching him how to pack his food (either by placing it into the Ziplock bag, or into the lunch box, and then into his schoolbag).

6. Sweep the floor.

For kids aged 6-11

He does not have to use the broom and dustpan that are too big to handle, but instead, get him to use the mini ones. Task your child to sweep up certain areas of the house, like the sofa area or even under the dining room table!

7. Help sort the laundry

For kids aged 6-11

You could teach your child to sort the coloured from the whites, and when the clothes have been washed, to help turn the clothes back to the right side. If he's up for it, teach him how to fold some clothes!

Be patient when it comes to teaching your children some of these chores, as some may not get the hang of it so fast. However, with a few rounds of practice, we're sure that they're bound to surprise you with their efficiency and their enthusiasm for helping around the house!

Do you teach your kids to help around the household chores? Share with us in the comments below!

Written by

Claudia Chia

child responsibility