Chores for 5 Year Olds

Are you debating about whether or not your 5 year old child should do chores? Do you wonder what kind of chores would be appropriate for your children? One thing to consider is gender roles. Do you want to make your child's chores gender specific or would you prefer they learn as much as they can either way?

Take out the trash. A child who is 5 years old can easily take out small trash bags. These can be from the office, the bathroom or the bedrooms. This is also a great way for children to learn how to tie a knot if they don't already know how.

Put toys away. There's nothing wrong with a 5 year old or even younger picking up their toys. This is one habit you'll be thankful that you developed with your child.

Make the bed. This is a good age for a child to learn to make their bed. You will probably need to help them, but this is a good age to start. It also encourages them to keep the rest of their room clean.

Dust the house. Not only are most children pretty handy with a duster, but they might even actually enjoy using one if you get one that is colorful. Of course, you can keep your glassware and other breakables up high and dust those areas, but a 5 year old can easily dust end tables and book shelves as part of the 5 year old's weekly chores.

Help sort laundry. Sorting laundry is a simple task that can help your child to learn about colors and even some textures. If you sort the laundry with your child, you can make a game of it and have some fun.

Put away dishes. Show your child where things go in the lower cabinets. Make it your child's job to put those dishes away as you put the ones away that belong in the top cabinets.

Feed the pets. Chances are good that if you have a pet, your child enjoys doing things with that pet. Your child can feed the pets daily. This gives the child responsibility while allowing him or her to interact with other members of the household.

Wipe down the lower cabinets. Most of us don't wash the front of our cabinets on a weekly basis. A quick wipe down would actually probably do the doors a service. Why not let your child wipe down those doors as a weekly chore?

Put groceries away. When you bring groceries home, you can tell your child where to put things and let him or her help you put the groceries away. Or, you can hand the child things that belong in just one area of the refrigerator and have your child put those things way. They learn to identify foods and understand where things go.

Chores are a great way to spend productive time with your children and help them to feel as is they are getting "big" with more responsibilities. They learn to appreciate and take care of things as well. You can reward you children with an allowance, praise, a word of thanks or some reward that you come up with. Positive reinforcement is a great way to teach your child.