Begin building responsibility at an early age.
Here are some ideas we use with our 3 year old (We started introducing these jobs when our daughter was two):
- Help wash dishes. Our daughter mostly plays with her hands in the bubbles. She does however give each plate a wipe or two with the soapy sponge, and then we discreetly wash it a little more.
- Put things away (especially toys).
- Empty waste baskets and help take trash out. She loves going out with Daddy to take out the trash.
- Fold clothes (small articles).
- Get dressed and put pajamas away.
- Brush hair and teeth (with help). Holly, our dentist, encourages us to assist with brushing through ages 6 through 8 in order to instill proper teeth and gum brushing techniques. You would obviously be a little more hands off as they grow up.
Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.
Cheers!