Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

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Age-appropriate chores are a great way to slowly introduce children to work that just needs to be done around a home. Let’s face it, we all still have chores! Laundry must be done, dishes must be washed, and food needs to be purchased and prepared. Regardless of whether or not you do these jobs yourself or hire some or all of them out – you’re managing the tasks and overseeing that they are done. Life isn’t magic – and including the kids in work that must be done is a great way to create a good work ethic.

To be honest, I go back and forth between wishing that I could hire a company to come in and clean weekly for me – but then also feeling like I just need to do it myself to ensure it’s done the way I want. Though, I have had a few times here and there where I have been so behind either due to work or illness that I have hired individuals to come in and work alongside me to help me get caught up. But now that my children are older – they are able to also do the chores that I would have needed help with at those times.

Do I Need a Chore Chart?

A chore chart isn’t necessary – but I find that having one has helped the kids to remember until it becomes a habit. They are also great motivation when your child is trying to reach a goal. Visualizing their list may also help them from being overwhelmed. Here are some really charts that we’ve found.

I’ve tried to find different chores throughout the house that the kids could help with through the years. As kids mature, they can take on more and bigger tasks over time. Because, having the 2-year old loading the dishwasher or washing machine – are probably not the best ideas. But, they can begin to put away toys as they’re done playing with them. They can take their dirty clothes to the hamper.

And keep in mind that it’s never too late to start! No matter the age, kids are always seeking independence – work that desire for independence into practical ways that they can learn to begin taking care of themselves and their future home.

Here I’ve put together some chore ideas for your kiddos based on their age. I’m sure they will thank me.

But, before handing over a chore list and expecting the kids to have at it – remember that you need to show them how to properly do the chore. Depending on the age and the chore, you may need to do the chore with them the first few times.

Age-Appropriate Chores for Children by Age

Ages 2 & 3

This is a fun age! They are eager to learn and to help out – making this a great time to begin instilling in them a “help out” attitude.

Pick up toys
Throw away trash
Fold hand towels and washcloths
Put dirty clothes in the hamper

Ages 4 & 5

Make bed
Pick up toys
Help feed pets
Throw away trash
Empty wastebasket
Help set the table
Use handheld vacuum for crumbs
Help fold laundry
Help gather laundry
Help load the dishwasher
Help dust with duster such a Swiffer
Help clean up after snacks and meals

Ages 6 & 7

Help sort laundry
Help transfer laundry from one machine to the next
Help pull weeds or pick up sticks in the yard
Sweep the porch, deck, sidewalk
Help rake leaves
Keep room clean

Ages 8 & 9

Help put away groceries
Vacuum around the house
Help make dinner
Put away laundry
Wash vegetables
Help make simple breakfast items such as toast

Ages 10 & 11

Unload dishwasher
Clean bathroom
Wash windows
Wash and vacuum car
Begin to cook simple meals with supervision (salad, soups, grilled cheese, etc…)
Do laundry
Change their bed sheets