10 Simple Homestead Chores for Little Helpers

Introduction

Raising kids on a homestead isn’t just about fresh air and farm eggs – it’s about instilling responsibility, gratitude, and a love for God’s creation from an early age. As moms, we often fell the pull to “do it all”, but inviting our children into daily homesteading life not only lightens our load – it teaches them real-life skills and builds lasting memories. Whether you’re managing a backyard garden, a handful of chickens, or simply trying to live closer to the land, there are plenty of age-appropriate chores little hands can help with. Here are 10 simple homestead tasks that will give your kids a sense of purpose and let them share in the joy of working with the earth.

1. Collecting Eggs

One of the easiest and most rewarding chores! Let your child gently gather eggs each morning – they’ll love checking for surprises in the nesting boxes.

2. Filling Water Dishes for Animals

Whether it’s chickens, goats, or a beloved farm dog, little ones can help refill water bowls or buckets using small pitchers or the hose.

3. Sweeping the Porch or Barn Floor

Give them a kid-sized broom and a “job zone” – they’ll love having a task that feels just like yours.

4. Harvesting Simple Garden Crops

Let your kids pick tomatoes, berries, beans, or herbs. It’s a great chance to teach them how food grows – and they’ll often snack on the job!

5. Planting Seeds

Show them how to dig small holes, drop in seeds, and cover them with soil. Kids are natural planters, and watching things grow is a joy for all ages.

6. Feeding Chickens or Pets

Measuring out feed is a great early math lesson and responsibility-builder. Just be sure to supervise around all animals.

7. Folding Towels or Farm Rags

Indoor homestead chores count, too! Folding laundry is a great first step in teaching home care and stewardship.

8. Gathering Sticks or Kindling

Turn this into a scavenger hunt. Kids can collect small branches or pinecones to help with fire-starting or compost piles.

9. Watering Plants

Use a small watering can to let them help in the garden or with indoor herbs. Teach them how plants “drink” just like animals and humans.

10. Wiping Down Counters or Tools

Give them a natural cleaning spray (like rubbing alcohol + water) and a cloth. Even toddlers love to “clean like mama”.

Conclusion

The homestead life isn’t always easy – but it’s filled with God-given opportunities to train up out children in they way they should go. By including your kids in small daily chores, you’re not just raising helpers – you’re raising future stewards, problem-solvers, and hard workers with humble hearts. These early lessons in grit, gratitude, and grace will stay with them far beyond the farm. So don’t worry about perfection – focus on connection. Let them get messy, ask questions, and feel proud of their work. Because in the end, the homestead isn’t just where we grow food – it’s where we grow faith and family, together.