Some Assembly Required
Here are some suggestions broken down by age from preschool through fourth grade. Remember, you know your child and what he or she is capable of doing, so expand or contract this list as appropriate. The most important thing is to start letting your child do for himself or herself—and create that building block of self-reliance.
Preschoolers can…
- Pick up toys
- Put their dish, plate or cup in the dishwasher
- Dust baseboards
- Wipe down floors with rag
- Brush their teeth
- Learn how to dial 911
- Memorize their name, phone number and address
- Put on shoes and get dressed.
Kindergartners can….
- Set the table
- Feed the family pet
- Sort laundry and match socks
- Make own breakfast (pour cereal/milk, use a toaster or microwave)
- Take out the trash
- Sweep the floor.
First Graders can…
- Clean their room
- Set and clear the table
- Pack their lunch
- Walk the dog, and/or feed the family pet
- Walk home from the bus stop
- Water the house plants.
Second Graders can…
- Help an adult cook a meal
- Do the breakfast or lunch dishes
- Vacuum or sweep
- Walk, scooter or ride a bike around the neighborhood
- Choose and wrap presents for others
- Hold a short conversation with an adult without parental prompting.
Third Graders can…
- Sew on buttons
- Pull weeds/plant flowers
- Have total charge of the family pet’s care
- Unload the dishwasher/dish drainer
- Make your own purchases at stores
- Take out trash/recycling to the curb.
Fourth Graders can…
- Cook a meal for the family
- Maintain the family bicycles (air in the tires, etc.)
- Walk/bike to school on own or wait at bus stop by yourself
- Wash the dinner dishes
- Arrange your own playdates
- Mop the kitchen or bathroom floor.
For more ideas on what life skills kids should learn, read my article in the Washington Post’s On Parenting blog about “The key life skills parents should be teaching their children.”
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