02/12/2026
Doing chores is important for a child’s development. They help kids learn life skills and responsibility. Doing chores also teaches kids how important community is, whether it’s their family or their school or their neighborhood. They can boost confidence, too! Consider trying these tips when preparing your child to start doing chores or if your child is struggling to complete their chores:
1️⃣The earlier you start having kids do chores, the better. You can have them start doing little things around the house when they’re 3 or 4.
2️⃣Making chores part of a routine can help. Giving kids a choice of which chores they do and keeping a chore chart can also be helpful.
3️⃣Making the chore specific, like asking them to put their books away and then put their toys away, is better than saying, “Clean your room.” Being specific lets kids know what is expected. Breaking chores down into steps is especially important for kids with ADHD or learning disorders.
4️⃣Rewarding kids with praise or an allowance for completing chores gives kids a sense of accomplishment. You can build toward doing more or harder chores. For example, start by having your kid make their bed once a week and slowly build until they do it every day.
5️⃣If a kid knows what chores are expected of them but doesn’t do them, you can tell them you’re taking away their allowance or screen time. This way, kids start to understand that their choices have consequences. Then you can encourage them: “Next week is another chance to do your chores and earn your allowance. I know you can do it!”
All information provided by the Child Mind Institute — https://fb.com/ChildMindInstitute
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