It is important that all family members play a role in the running of the household. Parents should not be responsible for every aspect of the cleaning and organisation of the household. It is helpful to involve your little ones in the process as soon as they are able to contribute, even if it is in a very small way.
Creating a chores chart is beneficial in two ways. Firstly, it means that family members do not take it for granted that everything is being done for them. This can create a lack of responsibility on their part and resentment on yours. Secondly, it will help reduce the workload on you and your partner and foster a sense of achievement that your children have been able to contribute to the running of the household as well.
Small children will need you to be involved with their chore completion. It is vital that you are encouraging and supportive of their efforts even if their progress is minimal. If possible, make it a fun and engaging process and reward them with ticks or stars on the chore chart to support their efforts.
Download our free Huggies Chores Chart here!
This is vital because you need to have shared expectations of each other’s role at home. Occasionally you will need to recognise that your partner may not prioritise the chores the same way you do, or carry them out the way that you would. It is important to discuss these concerns and expectations before you draw up the chores chart.
While your toddler may be keen to be involved in “helping” you round the house with chores, this doesn’t always translate to actual help! It’s helpful to encourage them to be involved but avoid overloading them at this early stage.
Age | Involvement | Suggested Chores |
1-2 years | Much of your little one’s involvement in chores is simply through play at this stage. Don’t expect consistency, just remember to be encouraging and supportive of their efforts to help. | Pick up toys and place in open tubs or containers. |
2-3 years | Your little one will still need lots of supervision at this age about what chores they can do and how to carry them out. It’s a good time to start up a star chart to give them a visual encouragement for their help with chores around the house. | Put pajamas under pillow, make bed, pack away their toys into allocated tubs or shelves, place clothes in the laundry basket, help wipe down the table after meal time. |
3-4 years | This is an age where your child will want to do things for themselves without your assistance. They key is to be patient and supportive without overriding their efforts. | Get dressed, clear plate from the table, pack and unpack daycare or kindy bag, put folded laundry away in their room in the allocated space for it, brush teeth. |