To expect DC to help with the housework?

[Kokapetl]

I probably am since they are 3 and 1!

But what age do they start genuinely helping? And how can I encourage this as much as possible?

Not U at all. For example my 18 month old carries the peg bag for me and hands me pegs. She also puts her shoes away, gets the changing mat out when she needs a nappy change, and 'wipes' the table after eating.

I don't remember my mother ever 'playing' with me, but whatever she was doing, she set up for me to 'do it too'. So washing up i got a bowl of soapy water (and an all enveloping apron) and some unbreakable crockery, and a stool to stand upon. My own duster etc.

I was 25 quite old before I even noticed that i probably wasn't that much help at first but i think i got better... the point was that while she was doing housework, so was I. She made it fun, telling me stories and songs as we went along. To this day, I quite enjoy don't mind doing housework.

Get them started early and just see how it goes.

Mine from the time they could walk did "tidy up time" which meant that they put all their toys away before bathtime (with help from me obviously). Also did things like put the shoes under the stairs. Dusting with a duster and feather duster.

As they got older they would put their own things in the dishwasher and now unload the dishwasher. Also taking things to the recycling bins etc.

Good idea to make them responsible for their stuff early. DD carries her plate to the kitchen, clears away her things etc. And has done since very young.

Good tip is not to do effusive praise for it. Just 'notice' and thank. "You cleared up your plate without being asked DD, thanks". Makes them much better at thanking others and not expecting a parade every time they do anything.