Tasks Children Can Do to Learn Responsibility (18 months – 3 years old)
Children need to feel powerful and capable, and they need to learn responsibility. Sometimes parents can get in the habit of doing everything for their child, but unfortunately they are taking away opportunities for children to learn responsibility, and to feel capable. Or often I see parents who just aren’t sure what are appropriate responsibilities for their child.
Here have included a list taken from Kathryn Kvol’s book, Redirecting Children’s Behavior, which breaks down appropriate tasks kids can do per age group. When possible, give detailed praise about what your child has done, or even while they are doing it. Everyone likes to be acknowledged. Also, please keep in mind that these are just guidelines – if your child is a bit on the immature side, they might need to be a bit older to do some of the tasks suggested, and of course safety is always most important.
18 months – 3 years old
Turn off lights while being carried
Carry in the newspaper or mail
Get own cereal of snack from kid-friendly containers
Wash tables and counters with damp sponge
Pick up toys and clothes
Put soiled or wet diaper in diaper pail [or help with diaper genie]
Wash vegetables, tear lettuce, stir
Help set the table
Feed and water pets
Help clean up after meals and play
Wake up sibling
Run simple errands around the house
Help put groceries away
Carry in light groceries
Help make beds
Put plastic dishes in the dishwasher
Make salads
Bring recyclables to the garage
Lead family in prayers/grace/gratitude statement
Put own clothes away
Take clothes out of dryer
Tell you when traffic light turns green
Clear dishes from table
Seal and stamp envelopes
More to come on:
4-6 years old
7-10 years old
11-15 years old
16-18 years old
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