Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

Chores help instill a sense of responsibility. CLICK HERE to read about the benefits of chores. Knowing what chores or how many chores to give your children is half the battle. We don’t want to discourage our children by giving them chores that are beyond their capabilities.

All children are different and age is not the only factor to think about when determining the right chore for your child(ren). In addition to age, think about their maturity level, physical capability, and interests. The below lists are suggestions—not requirements. You know your child best, so choose chores that will help set them up for success by selecting the right number of chores, doable chores for your child, and a respectable timeline to complete the chores.

I have listed chores by age range. Any chore listed in a younger age group is appropriate for older children too.

2-3 Year Olds

Toddlers love to help (even if their help isn’t always super helpful). Encourage their love of helping by giving them 2 small chores to complete each day. You will probably need to assist them in completing their chores, but by being consistent with their daily chores you will provide a positive outlook on chores for years to come. Toddlers are welcome to help with more than 2 chores each day, but I recommend them having 2 that they can claim as their own.

1.       Help make the bed.

2.       Clean up toys.

3.       Put laundry in hamper.

4.       Match socks.

5.       Help feed a pet.

6.       Dust with socks on their hands.

7.       Dress themselves.

4-5 Year Olds

Preschoolers at this age might be able to do a few chores without constant supervision, so consider a chore that might allow them to feel like a big kid. I recommend preschoolers having 2-3 chores for the week.

1.       Set/Clear the table.

2.       Put silverware away after it has been washed.

3.       Dust.

4.       Carry groceries in.

5.       Clean windows.

6.       Put their own clothes away.

7.       Fold towels.

8.       Make bed.

6-8 Year Olds

Children at this age might lose enthusiasm for chores, but continue to encourage them to complete chores. (We will talk about ways to make chores fun soon!) I recommend giving them 3-4 chores for which to be responsible for the week.

1.       Vacuum.

2.       Sweep.

3.       Mop.

4.       Take out trash.

5.       Pull weeds.

6.       Fold and put away their own clothes.

7.       Wipe off countertops.

9-12 Year Olds

Ask for your child’s input on the chores they would like to be responsible for completing. Children at this age appreciate you listening to their input. Make sure rewards and consequences for not completing chores are clearly in place. I recommend giving children this age 4-5 chores for the week.

1.       Wash dishes or load and unload the dishwasher.

2.       Fold and put away all laundry.

3.       Wash the car.

4.       Help with yard work—water plants, rake leaves, pull weeds, etc.

5.       Clean bathroom.

6.       Fix school lunch.

13-18 Year Olds

Children at this age can usually handle any chore in the home. When assigning chores, keep in mind your child’s schedule with the amount of schoolwork, extracurriculars, or work. I recommend giving teens 4-5 chores for the week.

1.       Laundry-run the washer and dryer, fold, and put away clothes.

2.       Dust the house.

3.       Mow grass.

4.       Cook dinner one night.

5.       Sweep out garage.

6.       Pick up groceries.

7.       Iron clothes

Next week, we will circle back to how to make chores fun—learn what we consider responsibilities and what are chores!