Chores for 2 and 3 year olds
Toddlers want to help, and the help is real even when it's slow. Keep every job to one step, do it alongside them, and stop while it's still fun. The point at this age is that they're part of the house, not that the house gets cleaner.
Put toys back in their bin
One bin per kind of toy, with a picture on the front.
Put dirty clothes in the hamper
A low hamper they can reach, in their room.
Help feed the pet
You measure, they pour.
Put books back on the shelf
A low shelf, spines any way they like.
Wipe up their own spills
Keep a small cloth where they can reach it.
Put napkins on the table
One for each person: it's counting practice too.
Carry their plate to the counter
Unbreakable plates, short trip.
What makes it stick at this age: Do it with them, every time, and say what you're doing together: "We put the blocks away." Toddlers learn chores as a routine, not a rule.
For the rest of the house
The printed list is yours to keep. Pitch In is a free app for the grown-ups and teenagers in the house: chores with names on them, a shared calendar, the grocery list and the bills, in one place everyone can see. It’s for 13 and up, so when your kids get there, they get their own list.