Chores for Kids (by age)

It’s never too early to get your kids active in helping with chores. Of course, based on their age, there will be limitations as to what they’re capable of doing, but it’s important to start them early so that they have the general concept of chores down. As they get older, you can add more complex tasks onto their chore lists.

Here are some chores by age to help get your kids started.

Two Years Old

Encourage them to put away their toys. They may need help, but by putting their toys away, they become accustomed to putting them away as they grow
Have them find their socks and shoes and give them a few minutes to put them on
Have them place their dirty clothes in their laundry basket
Give them a broom and show them how to sweep floors. Again, they’ll get better at this task as they age

Three Years Old

Do all of the above, but they will have improved at these tasks by this time
Encourage them to place their toys in the correct bins
Though they may not be able to fold their laundry that great yet, show them where each item goes and have them place their clothes in the appropriate drawers
Have them go to the restroom by themselves. They might still need a bit of help, but they should be encouraged to to do as much of this task as possible
Encourage them to organize their shelves of books, dolls, toys, etc.
Show them how to use utensils correctly
Work with them on dressing themselves
Begin working with them on cleaning themselves in the bath and shower

Four Years Old

Should have improved at the above tasks
Set the table
Collect dirty dishes and have them sort them into the dishwasher and help wash necessary dishes
Make their own sandwich and prepare other small snacks and meals
They should be able to better clean themselves during bath and shower time
Show them how to use remotes and game consoles by themselves
Encourage them to pour their own drink
Start working with them to make their own bed

Five Years Old

They should be able to do the above tasks relatively independently at this point
Make their own bed
Work with them to build more complex sandwiches, snacks and meals
Show them how to set the table. Include plates, utensils, napkins, drinks, etc. Show them how to remove all the dirty dishes, place them in the dishwasher or wash a few and then dry them before putting them away in their designated areas.

Six to Eight Years Old

Should be able to perform all of the above tasks with relative ease
Sweep or vacuum
Rack and help with basic lawn and outside tasks
Get them involved in salad-making, baking and other complex tasks in the kitchen
Fold laundry and put them away
Manage allowance

Nine to Ten Years Old

Perform the above tasks with minimal supervision
Operate a washer and dryer
Introduce them to mowing the lawn
Wash the car
Clean bathrooms
Dust
Walk, wash and feed pets
Take trash to the curbs on trash days

Photo Credit: Andy Fitzsimon

Middle Schoolers

Perform above tasks with ease
Wash, fold and put away their own laundry
Baby sitting and perform other tasks to earn allowance with supervision
Tidy rooms throughout the home
Mow the lawn, rack leaves and shovel snow
Clean out fridge
Vacuum and clean cars
Introduce them to kitchen appliance operation

High-Schoolers

Deep clean bathrooms
Deep clean other rooms throughout home
Make meals unsupervised
Iron clothes
Clean kitchen appliances
Drive younger siblings to school events, friends homes, etc.
Babysitting

By teaching your child to participate in chores at an early age, you’re less likely to receive push-back as they age. If you wait to introduce chores when they’re older, they may refuse to do them and are more likely to fight you on them. By having your toddler start doing chores and by introducing them to more complicated chores through the years will set them up for success.