Young children love to help… we all know this often means a job can take twice as long, so why is it important that we encourage children to help with jobs around the house?

Helping is fun for children! They want to copy what adults do and enjoy spending time with them.

What are children learning as they help with chores? Firstly, a sense of pride in what they have contributed to the family. They are also learning to cooperate and to take responsibility, as well as important skills for life.

Children will be developing their literacy skills – having conversations, listening to instructions, learning and using new words.

Numeracy skills are also used – sorting and matching, counting and measuring are just some of the skills that are important in jobs around the house.

 

Both large and fine motor skills will be developed along with motor-eye coordination.There are a few important things to remember if having the children helping is going to be enjoyable for everyone:

• Relax and don’t expect perfection!
• Be specific with your instructions – “put your toys away where they belong” is easier to understand than “tidy your room”.
• Let your child do a job with you before expecting them to do it by themselves.
• Give praise and encouragement as your child works.
• Make sure the chore is appropriate for your child’s age and development – if it’s too hard they will become frustrated.

So, what jobs can young children help with?

• Put away toys, make their bed, put their laundry in the basket, sort the washing…
• Wipe surfaces, sweep floors, vacuum, dust…
• Help cook, make cereal and sandwiches, set and clear the table, wash (unbreakable) dishes, unload the dishwasher…
• Put away the shopping…
• Weeding, watering plants, wash the car…

Try and enjoy spending time together with your child whatever you are doing and remember learning is everywhere.

@GlenwoodFC  #Glenwoodlearningathome