CHORES FOR KIDS: PROMOTING DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS

Chores for Promoting Bilateral Coordination in Kids

Bilateral coordination refers to how we use both sides of our bodies together smoothly.  From doing jumping jacks to catching a ball with two hands to buttoning a shirt, this is an important skill for all kids!

Help kids work on bilateral coordination skills with chores that involve using the right and left hands together:

-Sweeping the floor

-Folding laundry

-Washing dishes

-Cooking (especially stirring and pouring tasks)

Chores for Promoting Midline Crossing in Kids

Crossing the midline means spontaneously using a body part (arm/hand or leg/foot) on the opposite side of the body to complete a task.  Being able to cross midline during movement activities is an important precursor for establishing hand dominance and other motor skills.

Help kids work on crossing midline with chores that involve reaching across the body:

-Dusting/wiping down tables or counters

-Washing windows

-Sweeping and mopping

-Washing the car

-Raking or shoveling

Chores for Promoting Fine Motor Skills and Hand Strength in Kids

Fine motor skills refer to small muscle movements in the fingers and hands, including finger isolation, in-hand manipulation and more!  Fine motor skills and hand strength give kids the ability to grasp and manipulate objects – so important for school activities and self-care tasks!

Help kids work on fine motor skills and hand strength with chores that require pinching, pulling, squeezing, and grasping:

-Washing anything using a sponge or cloth that needs to be squeezed out (dishes, floor, windows, car)

-Folding laundry

-Watering plants with a spray bottle

-Hanging laundry using wooden clothespins

Chores for Promoting Visual and Cognitive Skills in Kids

Kids rely on visual motor integration and visual perceptual skills to coordinate their movements and to make sense of what they see.  Visual motor integration and visual perception are closely related to cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving, and sequencing.

Help kids work on visual and cognitive skills by encouraging them to do chores that involve sorting, organization, and multi-step tasks.

-Following a recipe

-Making and packing snacks/lunches for school

-Putting away groceries

-Unloading the dishwasher

-Setting the table

-Putting away laundry, matching socks

-Tidying up and sorting toys and other objects

-Picking out clothes

Do your kids help out around the house?  Do they have any favorite chores?

Be sure to check out our other posts about easy chores for kids and life skills activities for home!