Helping Hands At Home
Here's What To Do
1
Together with your child, brainstorm a list of simple tasks they could complete to help take care of their things and space. Some examples:
- pick up toys and put them away
- put books back on a shelf
- make their bed
- clear dishes from the table
- put dirty clothes in the hamper
- (whatever else you can think of!)
2
With your child, draw a symbol that represents each task on a piece of paper.
3
Reinforce the tasks displaying the chart and marking completion with check marks or stickers. Remind them to do the tasks each day. (Consider offering a small reward once they've completed a certain amount of tasks).
4
Celebrate your child when they complete a task from the poster!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Take three deep breaths together before starting this activity.
E
Engage:
- "What's one thing you think you could do every day to be helpful?"
- "What should we draw on our poster so that you can remember to pick up your stuffies and put them on your bed?"
E
Encourage:
- Model how to do these chores side-by-side with your child until they are ready to do them independently.
- Give your child praise and specific positive feedback like, “The floor is so clean because you put the books back where they belong."
R
Reflect:
- Ask your child, “How does it make you feel when you take care of your things and your space?"
Not quite ready?
Start your child with 1 simple chore and give lots of praise to build their confidence.
Ready for more?
Encourage your child to complete their tasks independently.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to care for their things and space with some independence.