Appropriate Chores for a Preschooler

Green Bay Area Mom
Feb 5, 2020
3 min read

As I was standing outside in the cold, trying to convince my dog to stop sniffing and just do her business already, I had this thought: I cannot wait until my daughter can do this instead of me. Right now, she’s just too little to be trusted with a leash and a dog that outweighs her. And dog poop. She cannot be trusted with dog poop. That got me thinking, though, what ARE appropriate chores for a preschooler?

I recently had this conversation with a dear friend of mine. I feel I must preface this by saying this friend of mine is extraordinary and a rockstar mother. She also has the best outlook on things. She doesn’t hover over her children, and I do, so I feel like I always learn so much from her. Ying and yang, you know?

As she rattled off a plethora of tasks her daughters can carry out, I realized that I could really be doing so much more on the topic of appropriate chores for a preschooler.

I still do a lot of things for my child that she could be doing for herself. I put socks on for her, and I take her empty plate to the sink even though I KNOW she is capable of doing those things herself and does them at daycare. I also know I just do these things because it is easier, and I can control the mess and the amount of time dedicated to each task. I need to let go of the reins, though, both for myself and for her growth and development.

Get this: I asked my daughter to go to the bathroom herself one day when I had my hands full, and suddenly there was a bathroom emergency. Her response? I can’t! (See? I hover.)

I talked her through it and peeked in not two minutes later to see a kid on the toilet with a big smile on her face. She did it, and she even washed her hands! And I am not ashamed to say we were both pretty proud in that moment. She goes potty all the time at daycare by herself, so why did I feel I needed to still help her?

Moms, I have turned the corner! I have seen the light!

Of course, then my wheels were turning, and I came up with a short list of chores for a preschooler that she can do, either by herself or with some assistance:

Take the cup and plate to the sink after a meal
Wipe down the table
Help put away groceries
Help move clean clothes from the washer to the dryer
Make own bed
Put on their own coat, socks, and shoes in the morning
Take off their shoes and coat, and put them in the appropriate places
Pick up toys before bed
Feed the dog
Pair up clean socks and help fold towels
Water plants (using a pre-measured amount of water, of course)
Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket
Help change the bed sheets
Help shovel

Sure, it will take her a lot longer to do these things herself than if I just did them. I also know I will probably have mismatched socks, and the dog will probably get more food than she really needs. The important thing is, by giving her responsibility, I am teaching her more than “Mom will do it” and, in return, making my life a wee bit easier.