Chores 4-8 Year Olds Can Do

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Now that you’ve established an allowance for your little darling, you may consider developing a list of chores for your child.

Experts differ on whether an allowance should be given as a reward for chores or if an allowance is a separate thing because chores are just part of the responsibility of being in a family. Whichever way your philosophy falls, now is a good time to consider drawing up a list of chores for your child, if only to start teaching the idea of shared responsibility. You might find yourself re-doing some work and spending more time than you’re supposed to be saving by “out-sourcing” your work to your child.

Many experts say that chores are good for kids for several reasons:

• Chores teach independence.
• Chores build self-esteem by teaching kids the value of helping.
• Chores teach kids that sometimes you have do things you don’t want to do.

Here are some things that might go on that chore list:

• Making their beds
• Helping empty the dishwasher
• Folding towels
• Helping wash the car
• Helping wash patio furniture
• Setting or clearing the table
• Simple dusting
• Retrieving the mail
• Helping carry and put away groceries
• Helping rake the yard
• Watering plants
• Sorting socks
• Emptying wastebaskets
• Feeding dog, cat, or fish
• Sweeping the kitchen or porch
• Practicing piano or other musical instrument

Make sure you monitor how great your child’s workload is. Don’t pile on too much extra work if he or she is already over-scheduled on activities.

GreatDad is partnering with  ActiveAllowance.com to provide free chore charts for GreatDad readers.