by Stephanie Epplett

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: August 26, 2009

Doing chores is not just a right of passage for children, but a lesson in life. But what they do, how often they do it and when they begin to do chores is as unique as the individual who is assigned a chore. So when are children ready to start doing chores? When they are both old enough to understand you and when you are ready to invest the time and effort to teach them about chores.

The first sign a child is old enough for a chore is their ability to mimic you. While the mimicking stage may not mean they are ready for a specific "chore", it does mean they are ready to begin to learn the tools they will need to eventually complete the chores you assign.

Toddlers will often mimic and "help" their parents around the house. This is a great time to instill the basic knowledge of chores by encouraging them to pick up their toys, help with dishes, throw away containers and carry sticks from the yard to the brush pile. Your encouragement during this phase of life, will not only help teach them how to complete their future chores, but will help them understand the necessity of chores and of helping out.

By the time your child hits preschool, they are probably well accustomed to "helping" you around the house. This is a good time to assign them simple and easy chores. Pick something they are used to doing and make that their chore. Do not overload a child in this age group with too many chores, just start simple. Have them put their toys away everyday. You could also have them scrape their own dishes and put them in the sink or dishwasher (it's probably wise to use plastic dishes at this point). Outside you can have them help bag the leaves. Let them do these things everyday, let them know you expect this and these are their chores. You can also begin paying them a small allowance if you choose.

Early elementary age children are ready to take on a little more responsibility. In addition to picking up their toys and putting their dishes in the sink, they can begin to help with other simple tasks such as picking up debris in the yard, bagging the garbage and cleaning up their room. At this stage, children are good at washing the outside of cupboards too, for this is perfect for their height. Chores in this age group should keep their height and agility into consideration. While they may be eager to help sweep or mop the kitchen floor, can they safely handle the broom or mop?

Late Elementary kids are generally ready to handle that mop and even a rake. During this

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