It’s no surprise that young children operate better on a schedule. Their lives go more smoothly when there’s a routine, when they know what to expect.
As they get older, there’s also an advantage in having them take on more responsibilities — chores for them to complete as they learn to become more independent. We’ve created a few charts for our 3 1/2 year old twin daughters that help them establish a routine while encouraging them to do more for themselves.
As of now, there are no rewards or punishments connected with completion (or lack of completion) of the these tasks. These are simply things that are expected of them and the charts serve as guides for what comes next. It took a bit of time to put these charts together and it occurred to me that others may be interested in them as well.
I’m including links to the charts [PDF] below. Feel free to use them and adapt them however you wish. If you decide to forward them along to others, which I encourage, all I ask is that you please provide a link to this site.
Preschoolers’ Before School Chart
Preschoolers’ After School Chart
How do you handle chores and activities with kids this age? I’d love to hear some feedback on what other parents are doing.
If you’d like more help with creating routines and raising happy, well-adjusted children, below are some resources you may be interested in:
Happy Child Guide – How To Get Any Child to Listen and Be Respectful
