Practical ideas for parents · Never Give Up Labs
Chores for children: start with what they can already do
Putting shoes away and packing a school bag take different amounts of effort for different children. Age can be a guide; what your child understands and can do with you is a better starting point for choosing a task.
Three questions before choosing a chore
- Does your child understand the result? “Put these three books on the shelf” is clearer than “tidy properly”.
- Are the things they need accessible and suitable? A low basket or a hook at their height can make the action easier.
- Can they try it safely? Hot or sharp objects and cleaning products stay under adult control.
Ideas to adapt, without a performance timetable
- Start together: put a piece of clothing in the laundry basket, return a book, bring a napkin.
- Once the action makes sense: choose clothes from two options, tidy one type of toy, lay unbreakable items on the table.
- For a sequence of steps: check a school bag against a list, pack for an activity, help an adult with a recipe.
These examples are not milestones to reach at a set age. Make the task smaller, change the equipment or stay nearby when needed. For a toddler, joining in with you briefly can be enough of a discovery.
Show them, do it together, then let them try
Demonstrate once and explain the actions. Try together, then suggest that your child does one part alone. Describe what you noticed: “You put your books in the bag” gives a clear reference. If it gets difficult, return to the previous step without turning an attempt into a failure.
One new thing can be enough
A routine does not have to be long. Keep familiar steps and add one action to try this week. After a few days, ask what feels easy or difficult. If mornings are rushed, practise at another time.
On paper or in ELIKHO
Start with the free printable routine sheet. ELIKHO Discovery includes five active tasks per member to keep a few clear reference points. A parent approves what has been done; an unfinished task does not take away points already earned.
Also read: packing a school bag and sharing chores across the family.
Further reading
These are ideas for family organisation. Developing a child’s independence, Naître et grandir (in French) offers further guidance to adapt to your situation.