Looking for ways to get through the day when the children can't play outside? Let your children help you with daily chores. This will help them burn off excess energy, give you a break and allow more time to spend together as a family. The following is a list of tasks and chores children of various ages can do to help out around the house. These have been adapted from The Superwoman Syndrome by Marjorie Shavitz, Warner Books.

3 - 4 Years of Age: Provide a Lot of Guidance and Reminders

• Dress self (pants, socks, shoes, sweater, shirt)
• Pick up and put away toys
• Empty wastebaskets
• Help set table, clear dishes
• Put dirty clothes in hamper
• Close drawers in bedroom

5 - 6 Years of Age: Continue to Guide and Remind

• Set and clear table
• Feed pet
• Help put away groceries
• Dust
• Put away toys, games, clothes
• Take out trash
• Water plants
• Assist in meal preparation
• Make bed
• Clean out litter box, cage, etc.

7 - 8 Years of Age: Tasks Should Help Them Feel More Grown-up

• Sweep floors, walkways
• Help with grocery shopping
• Vacuum
• Wash, dry and put away dishes
• Fill and empty dishwasher
• Help with parties, meals

9 - 11 Years of Age: Begin to Give More Responsibilities

• Prepare simple meals
• Use washer/dryer with directions
• Fold and put away laundry
• Put out trash for garbage collector
• Water plants
• Straighten up rooms
• Clean and organzie drawers, closets
• Clean bathroom

12 Years of Age and Older: Help Them Feel Independent

• Shovel snow
• Do laundry/wash clothes, iron
• Wash floors, windows
• Clean closets, garage, basement, etc.
• Plan menus, prepare and serve meals
• Care for younger siblings for short periods of time
• Clean bedroom (dust, vacuum, change linens, etc.)

The information was developed by The Family Conservnacy from a variety of professional resources. This is not a standardized measurement tool.