ANY GROWN-UP WHO HAS WATCHED AN EPISODE of Curious George can recognize that much of George ’ s mischief stems from misguided helpfulness . After all , he ’ s a curious little monkey who just wants to lend a hand , but when he tries , things start to go a bit haywire ! Sound familiar ?
These are concepts both parents and kids can relate to . Although it can be tempting to stay in control and do everything ourselves , teaching kids how to do things themselves has major benefits for the whole family . Sharing responsibilities with your kids gives them a step toward independence , a sense of pride and accomplishment , and — with the right jobs — can take some things off your plate !
This holiday season , PBS Kids suggests parents try giving some of the tasks below to the children in your family , or brainstorm ways you can break down bigger jobs into smaller , achievable chores for them .
Holiday Chores for Ages 2 to 3
For toddlers and early preschoolers , helping is more about joining in the family culture of working together than anything else . Littles ones see grown-ups and older siblings pitching in , and they want to have jobs they can do , too !
• Put cozy throw blankets in a basket
• Pick out a holiday book to read together
• Help with baking holiday treats by putting ingredients into a bowl
• Collect recycling and trash after unwrapping gifts
Holiday Chores for Ages 3 to 4
Preschoolers are growing their independence and can take on age-appropriate jobs without as much supervision as toddlers . That said , ages three- and fouryear-old children are still learning how to be careful , so choose the objects they ’ re working with thoughtfully . Stick to accessible tasks that are at their level and a match for their motor skills .
• Assemble a basket , tray , or shelf of holiday books
• Make and hang winter and holiday unbreakable decorations , such as cotton swab snowflakes or thumbprint holiday lights
• Hang ornaments or decorations on a tree , mantel , or other easy to reach spots using ribbons
• Sweep up before or after cooking
• Help with baking holiday treats by decorating cookies
• Recycle holiday catalogs
• Stick bows on presents
Holiday Chores for Ages 4 to 6
Attending school helps kids hone their fine motor skills and ability to follow multi-step directions . If your child already does some chores at home , it ’ s easy to translate them into holiday versions !
• Hang up holiday dish towels and hand towels
• Make a paper garland
• Throw away trims from wrapping
• Sort unused toys to donate
• Open and display holiday cards
• Put ( unlit ) candles in the holder
• Hang Christmas stockings ( on existing hooks or stocking holders )
• Select items for food or toy drives
• Collect pinecones or other natural items for decorating
• Wrap gifts with gift bags , tissue paper , and bows
• Set the holiday table
• Clear the table after a meal
Holiday Chores for Ages 6 to 9
As empathy continues to develop for this age group , they ’ re able to better reflect on others ’ wants and needs . Try giving them jobs they can fully “ own ” and complete in one block of time . Or , cultivate their big kid status by assigning them recurring tasks for which they ’ re responsible .
• Untangle garlands or shorter strings of holiday lights
• Place the Christmas tree topper
• Make or help to make a signature family dish for the holiday meal
• Stuff , seal , and stamp holiday cards
• Pack up cookies for friends and neighbors and drop them off
• Make handmade gifts for teachers or family that make great keepsakes
• Think about ways to give back to the community at large
• Fill out gift tags
• Create place cards for the holiday table that add love and charm
Do you think your kids are ready to take on some of these responsibilities ? I ’ m sure there are a few of your own holiday tasks you might like to add to this list . #
Happy Holidays !
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