But even for very young children, helping around the house allows a child to feel like a vital part of the family. Many chores take place in the kitchen because it is the heart of the home.
Covey recommends that children do the dishes, some of the cooking, and set and clear the table.
Laundry is also an important chore that children can help with at an early age. They can begin by putting dirty clothes in the hamper, or helping switch loads of laundry from the washer to the dryer. As they get older, they can learn to sort laundry and help fold and put away clothes. The last step is running the washer and dryer. By the time they're teenagers, they should be able to do the entire job themselves.