For a 4-year-old, chores or household duties are a new thing. For the first time in his life, he has a way to contribute to the family. He can do it because he’s a big kid now, and it’s an essential step for him! Some studies teach that children who do chores become adults who have better relationships and more success in the workplace. So, chores are good for you as parents (you have more help around the house), but they’re also great for your child’s development and prospects.
At four years, children have greater attention spans than younger children, and they can take on more responsibilities. At this age, children are also eager to please their parents and show them how much they can do. Four-year-olds are also more independent than younger children and can manage to do some tasks independently.
Importance of chores:
Children should be taught the importance of taking care of the home from the time they are two years old. In the first year, children can take on simple tasks like putting their toys away or helping to make their bed. As time increases, a child reaches four years old, and they become capable of doing several chores around the house. Making sure the child gets into a routine will help him develop good habits and motivation that will serve him well as an adult.
There are some good arguments for making kids do chores:
- Making kids do chores gives them a sense of responsibility and makes them more likely to help with household tasks outside of their assigned duties.
- Doing household tasks teaches children about time management and the importance of sticking with something until it is complete.
- Having children help with household tasks gives them a sense of ownership over their home. It also helps them learn that everyone has to contribute to keeping their living space clean and functional.
- If a child has a vital role in maintaining their home, they will develop self-esteem in their environment because they have played an active role in creating it.
- Kids who have chores are more likely to be empathetic toward others who may have less than they do; by helping out around the house.
Precautions:
Teaching your child to do chores can cause them to be happier, more productive, and more responsible. As you prepare your child on how to do tasks, avoid these common mistakes:
- Giving your child chores that are too difficult for them.
- Not providing enough incentives to encourage your child to complete their chores
- Not taking the time to train your child on how to achieve their chore properly
- Not making sure that your child understands the importance of completing their chore
- Using negative comments or other punishments if a task is not completed correctly is terrible for your child.
Ten necessary chores for 4 year olds:
Watering the plants:
Watering plants is a great way to teach kids about the importance of plants and how they grow. That’s not very difficult, but it is essential to know the right way to water them.
Dust/Wipe Down Surfaces:
This chore is excellent for your four-year-old. You can use it to teach them about sweeping up debris and dust that doesn’t belong on the floor (food crumbs, hair, etc.). And it helps them learn how to clean up after themselves!
Cleaning the tables:
As children learn to do more things independently, they become more capable and confident. A critical step in this process is learning to clear the table. It’s not easy for a child to clear the table of all its delicate dishes and glasses without breaking them. Here’s how to help your child learn this vital skill.
Setting the messed up small things:
The table setting is a simple task that can be taught to even the youngest children. They can be shown where the napkins and silverware go and help you place these items on the table. That’s a great way to teach your child about manners and help them learn to set the table when they are older.
Fold Washcloths, Hand Towels, & Other Small Items:
Folding washcloths, hand towels, and other small items is an easy task for a four-year-old. The key to success with this chore is making sure that the child has the opportunity to practice folding these items. Try to teach this chore on an afternoon when you have plenty of time and no rush to complete other tasks.
Put Away Laundry:
Make sure you have an easy-to-use vacuum cleaner that your child can handle, and also your child wants to do the chore. That is important. Your child will not learn much if they don’t want to do it in the first place. Show by doing own them how to do it and let them try it out with your help and guidance. If your child is having trouble, help them out and show them how to do it properly so they will know next time. Remember, The main thing is not that we want to clean the floor with a four-year-old child, but the chore is.
Brushing the teeth:
Four-year-old children are at the age where they can brush their teeth if you show them how. Many four-year-olds enjoy brushing their teeth, so it helps to make it a fun activity. Show your child that you like to brush your teeth. You do not have to make a big deal out of it, but show your child that you enjoy brushing your teeth. That is the best and most healthy chore for a four-year-old child.
Help parents as a family:
The best way to do the chore by your child is to get them involved in household tasks. It will help you do the chores, make them responsible for their duties and help you teach your 4-year-old child to help parents with chores.
Cleaning up toys:
If your child doesn’t like cleaning up toys after playing, maybe you can show them something interesting when they are doing that. For example, you can ask them to count how many toys there are. Or you can play a game: who cleans up all toys faster?
Making the bed:
Teach your 4-year-old to make their bed. Bed making is a foundational chore for many households, and the task begins in earnest at the age of 4. In addition to helping her keep her room tidy, bedmaking is an essential step toward independent living. You’ll need to explain the concept of bed making, but once you’ve done so, your child should be able to do this chore with minimal assistance.
