Pocket Piggy
Download the chart
A weekly chart with a box for every day and a Pay Day total at the bottom. Free to print as many times as you like.
What kids ages 2-3 can usually handle
At two and three, a chore is mostly about joining in. Kids this age can usually carry things, put things in places, and copy what they see you doing. They can't hold a list in their heads yet, so the chart is really for you: a reminder of the two or three small jobs to invite them into each day.
Expect to do each chore alongside them, at least at first. "Let's put the books to bed" works better than "go tidy your shelf." Pick jobs with an obvious finish, like every toy in the bin or every napkin on the table, so they can see when they're done. It will take longer than doing it yourself. That's fine. The point right now is the habit, not the help.
Chore ideas for ages 2-3
Pick a few from each area rather than all of them. Every family is different, so use these as a starting point.
Bedroom
- Put toys in the toy bin
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper
- Pull the blanket up on the bed
- Put books back on the shelf
Kitchen
- Put napkins on the table
- Carry their own plastic cup to the counter
- Wipe up small spills with a damp cloth
Pets
- Help scoop food into the pet's bowl
- Help give the pet fresh water
Outdoors
- Pick up toys in the yard
- Water plants with a small watering can
Helping others
- Help put away unbreakable groceries
- Match socks from the clean laundry
- Bring a diaper or wipes to a grown-up
- Throw their own trash in the bin
Keeping it fun
- Make it a game. Race a song, count the toys out loud, or see if the blocks can get into the bin before the timer beeps.
- Let them make the mark. Toddlers love a sticker or a big crayon tick. Keep a pen on a string next to the chart.
- Draw the chores. On the blank chart, draw a simple picture next to each job: a sock, a book, a watering can. Pre-readers can "read" their own chart that way.
- Give it a real purpose. "The plants are thirsty" or "Max is hungry" means more to a small child than "it's your chore."
When a chore gets missed
At this age, a missed chore isn't really a missed chore. Some days a toddler is tired, sick or just not interested, and that's normal. Leave the box empty and try again tomorrow. There's no need for a consequence. If the same job turns into a battle every day, it may simply be too hard or too long for now. Swap it for something easier and come back to it in a few months.
Making the chart work
Tape the chart low on the fridge or a door, where your child can see it and reach it. Check it together at the same time each day, like just before bath time. The Pay Day row doesn't have to be about money at this age. A sticker, choosing the bedtime story or a trip to the park is plenty.