In our house, we approach chores much the same way we teach skills on our shows: we start small and then gradually give our kids more responsibility. Our girls started “helping” us around the house at age two because, like all preschoolers, they loved to help. They would put away their toys, throw out their napkins at snack, get us a paper towel roll from the pantry (that one had them happily occupied for a while).
At around five to seven years old their chores included setting the table in stages (napkins, placemats, cups with ice), cleaning up their rooms. At ten, we wanted the chores to foster independence and responsibility: making simple meals in the kitchen, being responsible for themselves (getting ready for school is a chore!), making their beds, feeding the dog.
