Toddlers and preschoolers like to help. If you allow them to be a part of your daily chores, expect them to not be very helpful at times — and to make a bigger mess. Help them feel included in what you are doing by giving them simple tasks, such as putting away unbreakable groceries, wiping up a spill or putting away folded socks

School-aged children can be assigned household chores. Younger children within this group should be given tasks that include a limited number of steps (picking up toys or taking out the trash). You can increase their responsibilities as they show ability to handle the easy jobs.

Although a child may be old enough to do simple chores, parents’ expectations for how the chore is completed may not be met. Some children need extra help knowing how to do a job right.

Telling a child to “clean your room” can be too vague. To get the best results, be specific about what you want. Write down (or take pictures of) the steps involved in completing the chore and post them on the refrigerator.

Example: “Cleaning Your Room”

Step 1. Put toys in toy box.
Step 2. Put books on shelf.
Step 3. Make your bed.
Step 4. Put dirty clothes in hamper.

If you still don’t get what you expect, you may need to be even more specific. Some children have difficulty following directions or steps in a series. Walk them through each step a few times until they get the hang of it.