Spring always makes me feel more self-conscious about the messy state of my household.

Now that I spend more time at home instead of working full-time and hiring someone else to clean, I’ve quickly learned that it’s so much harder to keep a house in order when you’re at home with children. I cook and clean and cook and clean – only to get up the next day and do it all over again.

I need help with chores. My husband does his part, but it would be great to get the entire family involved. But how much can a toddler and preschooler actually do?

So I found this age appropriate chore chart online. Some of the suggestions include:

* Ages 2-3: pick up toys; help feed pets; help wipe up messes
* Ages 4-5: dust; set the table; put away groceries
* Ages 6-8: vacuum, take out trash, fold laundry
* Ages 9-12: help wash car; wash dishes; clean the bathroom; rake leaves
* Ages 13-17: Wash windows; do laundry; prepare meals

How do you keep your household clean? Do your children help? How do you encourage them to do chores around the house?

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