Preschoolers are well equipped to learn the basic tenets of shared responsibility. Simple cues and game-like challenges suit this age group well, such as having them put toys away as a “game” before dinner is served.
Young children respond well to routines, and helping to feed pets offers multiple benefits and skills. Gentle interactions with animals, a sense of responsibility for another living creature, the predictability of mealtime, and the satisfaction of pleasing an animal are powerful experiences for a young child.
While preschoolers should be able to help out with bed making, 5- to 7-year-olds are capable of pulling the task off independently. At this age, children may start to rebel against chores—but simple tasks, with decreased supervision, will give young people a sense of pride in their work.
Helping in the garden provides significant mental and physical developmental strides for children. Whether pulling weeds or navigating a hose or watering can, kids quickly improve their locomotor, body management, and object-control skills.
Just like sorting skills for preschoolers, children between ages 5 and 7 can learn where items belong when not in use. As kids get older, tasks like loading or emptying a dishwasher can be part of a chore chart to help kids stay on track independently.
Laundry can be made into a fun activity, whether children are helping sort clothing by color or pairing socks together after the clothes are taken out of the dryer. The folding part may be a bit of a challenge at first, especially for smaller kids, but they can start by learning how to lay clothing items flat and then folding them in half.
Even if they don’t cooperate all the time, children enjoy routines as they provide a feeling of security and structure to the day. Routines also help with behavior development as children learn to become aware of what’s expected of them and how to follow rules.
Preparing and cooking dinner may take a little longer when a child is involved, but it may be more fun, especially for the child. There are a number of ways to get kids involved with meal prep, such as taking them grocery shopping and allowing them to help pick out produce and other ingredients.
In addition to providing unconditional love, pets can teach kids discipline and responsibility. Younger children can help to replenish a cat’s or dog’s water bowl or rinse and dry the pet’s supper dish after use.
There are many benefits of parents and children working together to care for a garden and maintain lawns. According to an American Society for Horticulture Science study, gardening is considered to be a moderate-intensity exercise for kids, and it promotes physical activity.