THE PULSE

Chores are a great way to instill kids with a sense of responsibility, along with teaching them skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. It might surprise you that even preschoolers and toddlers can have a place on the chore chart.

Remember, we shouldn’t expect perfection from our kids—and we should do what we can to make it fun. Try putting on music or making things into a game: "Pick up 5 things as fast as you can. Ready. Set. Go!” And make sure to offer lots of praise, both during and after they complete their chores.

1. Clean up the playroom

Help your kids get in the habit of putting away their toys when they’re done playing with them, even if that just means throwing them all in the toy box.
 

2. Feed the family pet

If your pet eats the same amount of kibble every day (and doesn’t need medication), this is a great task to assign a young child. They already love to spend time with their fuzzy friend, so this is a great way to encourage responsibility.
 

3. Dust

Using old socks as hand dusters is a great way to reuse those socks that no longer have matches, AND it’s a fun way to have very young kids (ages 2-3) help with dusting.
 

4. Make the bed

For kids ages 4-5. You may have to finish up this work for them, but getting them in the habit of pulling their covers up and straightening their pillows will help them build the habit of making their bed every day.
 

5. Caring for plants

Watering plants and pulling weeds in the garden can be a great way to get outside with your kids and teach them the satisfaction of seeing plants thrive under their care.