Age appropriate chores

List of Age-Appropriate Chores for Children

Toddlers (Ages 2 – 3)

For many toddlers, helping out at home is one of the most exciting things they can do. Around this age, they learn about their world by copying or watching others. However, it is important to remember that toddlers need guidance and supervision when doing their chores, so ensure you are always there to assist them.

Some of the chores toddlers can complete include:

• Mopping small areas with a dry mop
• Putting their toys away
• Wiping up small spills
• Placing clothes in the hamper
• Wiping or dusting baseboards
• Piling up magazines and books on tables and shelves
• Helping load the dryer and washer

Preschoolers (Ages 4 – 5)

At this age, kids can do some chores even without supervision. Hand-eye coordination is also better at this stage, and they can understand more complex instructions. While toddlers need to be told each of the steps associated with a certain task, most preschoolers can already follow and remember up to three steps at a time.

• Clearing the table
• Making their bed without supervision
• Pulling weeds
• Looking after a pet’s water and food dish
• Using a handheld vacuum for room edges or crumbs
• Matching socks together
• Assisting older siblings with table setting
• Bringing in light groceries
• Putting away clean utensils
• Washing plastic dishes
• Sorting laundry
• Dusting using a cloth
• Watering the plants

Primary Schoolers (Ages 6 – 9)

As soon as a child reaches primary school age, they can take on more chores and responsibilities without supervision. They can also carry out complex or physically challenging tasks as they are more skilled.

Some of the chores primary schoolers can do include:

• Emptying indoor trash bins
• Sweeping floors
• Making boxed or bagged lunches
• Raking the yard
• Putting away groceries
• Loading the dishwasher
• Cleaning their bedrooms
• Vacuuming
• Wiping down sinks and counters
• Scrubbing the table after meals
• Folding and putting away their clothes
• Taking the dog for a walk (with supervision)
• Mopping the floor

Middle Schoolers (Ages 10 – 13)

Middle schoolers or preteens can perform many chores independently and can do them without constant reminders. Most parents find using a task list or an age-appropriate chore chart for kids very helpful. Even teens can benefit from using age-appropriate chore charts as they can help teach them responsibility and reliance even if no one is looking.

Below are some of the house chores middle schoolers can easily do:

• Washing the dishes or loading the dishwasher
• Babysitting younger siblings (with parents at home)
• Washing the family car
• Taking trash bins to the curb
• Using the clothes washer and dryer
• Preparing simple meals

Benefits of Age-Appropriate Chore Chart for Kids

1. Teaches responsibility: Having a specific task to complete helps kids learn to take responsibility for their actions and their roles in the household.
2. Develops time management skills: Completing chores within a designated timeframe helps kids learn to manage their time effectively.
3. Promotes accountability: When kids have chores to complete, they understand that they are responsible for their actions and learn to be accountable for their behavior.
4. Encourages self-sufficiency: Completing chores on their own helps kids develop a sense of independence and self-sufficiency, which will serve them well in the future.
5. Builds confidence: Completing chores and contributing to the household helps kids develop a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities.
6. Teaches teamwork: When chores are divided among family members, kids learn to work together as a team, fostering cooperation and unity.
7. Prepares for adulthood: Learning to complete household chores and take responsibility for their role in the household helps kids develop valuable life skills that will serve them well in adulthood.

Start teaching your kids responsibility and self-sufficiency today by assigning age-appropriate chores. Download our free age-appropriate chore charts and watch your kids thrive!