Nick will be 4 in February. He’s mostly potty trained and learning to dress himself. Lately, he’s really wanted to be helping whenever I am doing chores. I decided that we need to make him a list of chores. We haven’t came up with a specific schedule, rewards or allowance. I think it’s good to start with a list and figure out what is within his capability. Whenever I am working on things around the house, I now find myself thinking about whether Nick (or even Sally) could do this or a modified version.
Here’s our starting list:
- put pajamas and underwear in the bathroom in the morning so it’s ready for bath time
- put away silverware
- put away dishes (anything that goes in the lower cupboards)
- bring trash cans in from the curb
- put new trash bags in our waste paper baskets
- put dishes in the sink after a meal
- hang up coat
- straighten shoes in the kitchen
- vacuum carpet
- take clothes out of the dryer
- sort laundry
Lately, Nick hasn’t been taking naps. I’m starting to use that time to teach him various skills and chores that will help him in everyday life. I think it’s good for him to learn how to take care of things for himself. Eventually, Nick will have a schedule for his chores and Sally will have some too. For now, I am enjoying all of the help I get. I’m also enjoying the days when he still takes a nap.