Whether you are first beginning your Montessori journey with your toddler or you have been involved with the Montessori community for years, having an independent child at home may be a goal of yours. This blog post will walk you through age-appropriate activities for your children at home. In school and at home, it is important for your child to be doing work that is challenging and meaningful. Even as a young toddler, it means so much when they know their work is helping others and they are contributing to their community. As your child gets older, they can do progressively harder tasks around the house. Just remember this Montessori philosophy – let your child try to do for themselves, and resist the urges to swoop in and correct what they’ve done. As they practice, they will get better and feel good about how they have helped.
Household Contributions by Age
Contributions for 2-3 year olds
- Dust off end tables, TV stands, and wherever else they can reach safely
- Help set table
- Clear dishes from the table
- Help cook
- Put clothes in a hamper
- Pick up toys
- Wipe up small spills
- Sweep and mop floors
- Wash windows
- Water plants
- Feed pets
Contributions for 4-6 year olds
- Make bed
- Fold laundry
- Put their own clothes away
- Help put groceries away
- Set and clear table
- Begin making simple meals (eggs, oatmeal)
- Learn to use the stove
- Make own snack
- Wash dishes or empty the dishwasher
- Sweep and mop floors
- Vacuum small rooms
- Assist with raking the yard
- Empty trash and recycling
Contributions for 7-9 year olds
- Cook more complicated meals, such as a pancakes or scrambled eggs
- Plan menus
- Pack own school lunches
- Load/unload the dishwasher
- Wash dishes
- Walk the dog
- Train pets
- Clean their bedroom
- Use the washer and dryer
- Sort and fold laundry
- Fill the bird feeder
- Sewing projects
Contributions for 10+ year olds
- Clean the bathroom sink, tub, and counters
- Fully clean the kitchen
- Cook full meals
- Take out trash and recycling
- Wash and vacuum the car
- Mow the lawn
- Ironing
- Use tools to fix things around the house
- Plan and lead outings
For more information on household contributions for your child, please take a look at these articles:
- “The Value of a Mess,” by Jessica Lahey
- “The Dirt on Chores: Does your Child Help Clean Up?” by Brad Broberg – Parent Map
- “Owner’s Manual for a Child,” by Donna Bryant Goertz – MariaMontessori.com
