As parents, we all know that keeping up with all of the daily and weekly chores necessary to keep the household running smoothly can be a challenge. It doesn’t ALL have to fall on you or your partner though. Enlist your kids to help when it comes to completing chores and helping out around the house. Here is a list of age-appropriate chores for children broken down by age.
Age Appropriate Chores for Kids
Toddler Chores (age 2 to 3)
Toddlers want to help with the chores so instead of saying “No just let mommy do it” encourage them to help and show them how. Take advantage of their enthusiasm now because as they get older they won’t be nearly so eager to help.
Pick up toys or books.
Help make the bed.
Help wipe up small spills and messes.
Use old socks to help dust.
Help feed pets.
Wipe down cabinets and baseboards with a cloth and soapy water.
Help move clothes from the washing machine to the dryer.
Put dirty clothes in the hamper.
Preschool Chores (age 4 to 5)
Preschool-aged children are still very eager to help with chores and many times if you show them how to do a task properly they will be able to complete it with minimal supervision. This age might be a good opportunity to introduce rewards for completing a chore and doing a good job. A job well done earns a sticker on the chore chart and with enough stickers earned they can choose a pre-selected reward for their efforts.
Any of the toddler chores listed
Match socks
Fold towels
Helping to put away groceries and carry them in the house
Clean the windows
Wipe down sinks with a wet rag
School Age Chores (age 6 to 8)
If your children this age haven’t been doing chores before they might not be very excited to start. Take a moment to explain that it is every family member’s responsibility to help keep things running smoothly and that their hard work will be appreciated by the whole family. If they still don’t want to help out it may be time to turn off the TV or shut the Wi-Fi off until everything gets done.
Any previous chores listed
Clean the microwave
Sweep
Vacuum
Load/unload the dishwasher
Wipe down bathroom sinks, counters, and toilets
Help prepare a meal
Wipe down the microwave
Fold and hang laundry
Collect the trash
Elementary Age Chores (ages 9 to 11)
Children at this age, heading into their tween years may not be thrilled with the idea of chores, so they may need to be reminded, frequently, that the family needs to work together to get things done. The chores assigned from this age forward are those that are essential parts of adulthood and their future roommates, partners, and spouses will be grateful that they have learned to do them.
Any previous chores listed
Wash/dry clothes
Clean toilets
Make simple meals
Clean sinks
Mop
Middle School Age Chores (ages 12 to 14)
Children this age tend to be very busy with school, sports, and social activities but this does not mean that they should not be contributing to the well-being of the family. Even if they are not able to perform a lot of chores during the school week they should still be able to complete some chores on the weekends.
Any previous chores listed
Cut the grass
Clean bathtubs and showers
Plan a meal/make a grocery list
Clean out the refrigerator
Help a younger child with their chores
Rake the leaves
High School Age Chores (ages 15 to 18)
By now your child knows how to do all of the tasks that come with keeping a household clean and running efficiently. You may have to remind them from time to time about what needs to be done, but they should be fully capable of taking care of any task that you need to assign to them.
Any of the previous chores listed
Wash the car
Personal budget
Cook a meal a week for the family
Chores can be a great way to bring the family together and show children how every person has to do their part to keep things in order. It is important to note that all children are different and have different capabilities. Keep this in mind when assigning specific chores to your children. Any chore assigned should be something that they can accomplish and feel good about themselves for getting it done.
