Do things for your children, and they will get by today; but teach them how to do things for themselves, and they will get by for the rest of their lives.

Most parents of very young children have found that their little ones are only too willing to help, although they can't really accomplish very much. But when they are old enough to work efficiently they no longer have the desire to help. So parents need to catch them when they are willing, even if it takes extra time to help them learn how to complete a task. Do not discourage them because you think they are too young, too slow or too messy. A few extra minutes training a two-year-old may save hours of scolding a twelve-year-old.

Obviously, we can't expect much in the way of help from children under the age of two. But even toddlers can begin to help with small tasks. 

Select age-appropriate tasks for your child

The tasks should be neither too easy nor too difficult. Expecting a two-year-old child to lay a complete table is far too much but asking him/her to get a plate for him/herself would be fine. In this stage of developing independence, such chores can actually assist their feeling of doing things "all by myself". Increasing responsibilities as the age of your children increases will keep them motivated and challenged.

Motivate your children with rewards

Whether it's verbal praise, an allowance, a treat, or something else you deem appropriate, motivate your children to be helpers. Be sure to withhold rewards until tasks are complete because you are also teaching them about logical consequences.

Adjust your standards of a job well done

Receive help in the form in which it comes. A child's job will never be perfect in the beginning. You have to have the patience to clean the mess they may make while doing a job. When you ask your child to water the plants he may pour too much or spill some water. Your response to initial efforts will set the tone for future attempts.

SUGGESTED TASKS FOR TWO AND THREE YEAR-OLDS

(Pick a few tasks to begin with. It is better to have your child do two or three items consistently than to list a lot of jobs that rarely get daily attention.)
•    Put away toys after play
•    Sweep the floor with small broom
•    Stir their drinks
•    Bring in newspaper
•    Mop small area
•    Dust furniture
•    Brush teeth, wash face
•    Roll chapattis
•    Fold napkins
•    Sort out vegetables
•    Water plants
•    Help feed pet
•    Dress and undress with help
•    Put shoes where they belong
•    Wipe table

SUGGESTED TASKS FOR FOUR AND FIVE-YEAR-OLDS

(In addition to the tasks in the first list))
•    Put away clothes
•    Set a table
•    Clean washbasin
•    Hang towels after bath
•    Plant seeds
•    Carry own dishes to sink
•    Mix salads
•    Put dirty clothes in the machine

Always compliment your child for a job finished and well done.

Teaching your child chores like these gives him/her a sense of accomplishment and responsibility; it can go a long way in boosting their self-esteem and helping them grow into self-reliant adults.