Age-appropriate chores for kids

Chores for toddlers (ages 2 to 3)

Toddlers love to copy grown-ups, so this is the easiest age to start. Keep jobs short and do them together. The goal is the habit, not a perfect result.

• Put toys back in a box or basket
• Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket
• Put books back on a low shelf
• Wipe up small spills with a cloth
• Help feed a pet by pouring food from a scoop
• Put shoes away by the door

Chores for preschoolers (ages 4 to 5)

Preschoolers can do simple jobs on their own with a reminder. A picture chart helps, because they cannot read yet.

• Make the bed (pulling up the duvet counts)
• Help set the table with napkins and cutlery
• Water plants with a small watering can
• Brush teeth and get dressed
• Feed the pet
• Match socks from the clean laundry

Chores for kids ages 6 to 8

School-age children can own a few daily jobs and start helping with the household, not only their own things.

• Pack their school bag
• Tidy their bedroom
• Set and clear the table
• Sort laundry by colour
• Sweep small areas with a dustpan and brush
• Change the toilet roll and empty small bins

Chores for kids ages 9 to 12

Tweens can handle real household jobs and do them without being watched. This is a good age to add one bigger weekly job.

• Take out the trash and recycling
• Load and unload the dishwasher
• Vacuum their room
• Walk the dog
• Fold and put away their laundry
• Help cook simple meals

Chores for teens (13 and up)

Teens can do nearly anything an adult can. Giving them full responsibility for a few jobs teaches skills they will need when they move out.

• Do a full load of laundry from start to finish
• Clean the bathroom
• Cook a family meal once a week
• Mow the lawn or weed the garden
• Babysit younger siblings
• Clean the litter box or pet cage

How to get kids to do chores

1. Teach in three steps. Show the job, do it together, then let them try alone while you watch. Most jobs need a few rounds before they stick.
2. Make it visible. A chore chart on the fridge turns "did you do it?" into a quick look. Kids like ticking boxes or colouring stars.
3. Keep it fair. With several children, share the shared jobs by turns. The family chart in our Chore Chart Maker does this for you.
4. Praise the effort. A wonky made bed is still a made bed. Redoing their work tells them it was not worth trying.
5. Add rewards that are not things. Choosing the Friday film, an extra bedtime story or baking together often motivates more than money.

Questions and answers