Age Appropriate Chores For Kids

If you’re a parent, and you’re unsure of what chores your littles can do, keep reading for suggestions on age-appropriate chores for kids.

Here, we talk about a few tips to help you know what your kiddos can do, and how it will benefit them!

It can be difficult to know what chores are appropriate for your kids to do, as every child is different and has different abilities and interests. Here are a few tips to help you determine what chores are appropriate for your kids:

• Consider their age and development: It’s important to give kids age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities that they are capable of handling. As kids get older, they are generally able to take on more complex tasks and responsibilities.
• Take their interests into account: Consider your kids’ interests when assigning chores. If they enjoy cooking, for example, you might have them help prepare meals or snacks.
• Start small and build up: It’s a good idea to start with small, simple tasks and gradually increase the complexity and responsibility as your kids show that they are ready for more.
• Provide supervision and guidance: It’s important to provide supervision and guidance as needed, especially when kids are learning new tasks.
• Establish clear expectations: Set clear expectations for your kids regarding their chores, including what tasks they are responsible for, how often they should do them, and how they should be completed.
• Make it a team effort: Involve your kids in the process of determining what chores need to be done around the house and how they can contribute. This can help them feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their tasks.

*Remember that it’s okay to adjust your expectations and the tasks that you assign to your kids as they grow and develop. It’s a good idea to regularly reassess what tasks your kids are capable of and make adjustments as needed.

What chores are appropriate for what ages? 

Toddler chores(ages2-4):

Toddlers are just starting to develop their independence and can begin to take on some basic chores and responsibilities around the house. At this age, they also have a desire to help out, so encourage them to try, and let them know how grateful you are for their help!

Here are some age-appropriate chores that toddlers can do:

• Putting away toys. Toddlers can help put away their toys after they are done playing with them.
• Assisting with laundry. Toddlers can help sort clothes by color or assist with folding and putting away laundry. Start small with wash cloths, and slowly work them up to bigger items.
• Setting the table. Toddlers can help set the table for meals by placing napkins and utensils on the table.
• Watering plants. Toddlers can help water plants around the house with supervision.
• Dusting. Toddlers can help dust furniture with a soft cloth or feather duster. Kids especially love using the feather duster.
• Picking up trash. Toddlers can help pick up trash around the house and put it in the garbage can.
• Helping with groceries. Toddlers can help carry light items or assist with putting away groceries.
• Unloading silverware, aside from sharp items(ex. knives, pizza cutters, potato peelers, etc.).
• Washing doorknobs. I started my 2-year-old on washing doorknobs, she loved it so much, she asks me if she can wash them. She LOVES doing it!

Child chores(ages 5-7):

Around this age, your child may resist helping out. But he or she will also have moments where they love to help out. It is good to encourage them to keep helping you, even when they don’t want to.

Here are some chores that they are capable of doing, mostly on their own:

• Putting away toys. Kids in this age range can be responsible for putting away their toys after they are done playing with them.
• Setting the table. Kids can help set the table for meals by placing napkins and utensils on the table. They can also place the plates, bowls, and cups.
• Helping with laundry. Kids can help sort clothes by color or assist with folding and putting away laundry. They should have washcloths mastered by now, and should be getting pretty good at folding hand towels.
• Watering plants. Kids can help water plants around the house with supervision.
• Dusting. Kids can help dust furniture with a soft cloth.
• Picking up trash. Kids can help pick up trash around the house and put it in the garbage can.
• Vacuuming carpets and rugs.
• Helping with groceries. Kids can help carry light items or assist with putting away groceries.
• Sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor.

Kids chores(ages 8-12):

This age is a fun one(I’m being slightly sarcastic). At this age, kids may joke about hating chores and helping out. I can’t tell you how many times each day I hear the words “I was just joking, geez!”

Pre-teens, ya know? They’re pushing their boundaries and seeing what you will allow them to get away with. Remain firm, and continue to encourage them to help out. Let them know that YOU need them to help you!

Here are a few chores that they shouldn’t have any troubles completing:

• Doing their own laundry. Kids at this age can be responsible for doing their own laundry, including sorting, washing, and folding their clothes. My 9-year-old does his, without even asking me. I started him when he was younger, so he’s been doing his own laundry for at least 2 years now.
• Making their own meals. Kids can start to learn how to prepare simple meals and snacks, such as sandwiches or toast. Macaroni & cheese is also an option for them to make, if you let them eat macaroni & cheese. This is one of my son’s favorite foods to make, and he can almost do it all on his own.
• Doing yard work. Kids can help with yard work, such as raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or shoveling snow. I have given my 9-year-old the task of watering the garden all summer, he is fully capable of doing it.
• Cleaning their own room. Kids can be responsible for keeping their own room clean and tidy, including picking up clutter and making their bed.
• Taking care of pets. Kids are typically the ones begging for pets. Why not give them the responsibilities of such a request? They can help feed and care for pets, such as walking the dog or cleaning out the litter box.

Teenagers chores:

Ah, teenagers! I don’t have a teenager of my own yet, thank goodness! I’m just not sure I’m ready to tackle that yet. However, I have seen my fair share of other teens, and how they talk to their parents when they’ve been asked to do a chore. Yikes! This is where you really have to assert your authority. They will push, and sometimes attempt to bully you. I’ve seen things. Lol! Stay strong! You’ve got this! They can handle the chores. It may be easier to do the chores yourself, rather than fight with them, but don’t give in!

Teens are generally able to take on more responsibilities and chores around the house, as they are more independent and capable of handling more complex tasks. Here are some examples of age-appropriate chores that teens can do:

• Doing their own laundry. Teens can be responsible for doing their own laundry, including sorting, washing, and folding their clothes.
• Cleaning their own room. Teens can be responsible for keeping their own room clean and tidy, including picking up clutter and making their bed.
• Preparing meals. Teens can start to learn how to prepare more complex meals and snacks, such as preparing dinner for the family or baking cookies.
• Doing yard work. Teens can help with yard work, such as raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or shoveling snow.
• Taking care of pets. Teens can be responsible for feeding and caring for pets, such as walking the dog or cleaning out the litter box.
• Running errands. Teens can be responsible for running errands for the family, such as going to the grocery store or picking up dry cleaning.
• Doing household repairs. Depending on their level of expertise and interests, teens may be able to assist with basic household repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet or changing a light bulb.
• Cleaning bathrooms. You can prepare an itemized list of all the items that need cleaning in the bathrooms, and how to approach cleaning each one. Give details about which cleaners to use, which ones not to use, what cleaning cloths to use, etc.

Why chores are good for kids:

Chores are good for kids. By completing tasks around the house, kids learn to take ownership of their actions and understand the consequences of not completing their responsibilities.

Chores require children to follow through on tasks, even when they may not feel like it. This helps them develop the ability to stick to a task and see it through to completion.

When children successfully complete a chore, they may feel proud of themselves and their accomplishment. This can boost their self-esteem and confidence.

If children are completing chores as part of a team (e.g., a family), they learn how to work together and contribute to the overall functioning of the household. Chores can help children develop life skills that will be useful in their future, such as time management, organization, and problem-solving.

Overall, assigning chores to children can help them learn valuable skills and contribute to the functioning of the household, while also providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

I hope this post is super helpful for you! Click here for a fun and interactive chore chart for your kids!