Chores for Kids - Appropriate Chores for Every Age and Stage

Even though parents often find it’s easier to do things themselves, chores are actually good for kids. Regardless of whether they are working for allowance or not (that’s a whole different conversation!) chores help build skills, a sense of responsibility and self-esteem in feeling competent, helpful and capable. But, what is appropriate for a 2-year-old or a 13-year-old to do? Here is a list of suitable chores for the various ages of your kids… 

2-3 years old: Helping fold laundry and carry stacks of cloths, towels, etc. to the appropriate room; helping set and clear the table; Putting toys away in buckets and baskets (with help); wiping a table or cleaning a window or mirror; helping feed and water pets.

4-5 years old: Setting and clearing the table with minimal help; sorting laundry; Help make beds; Help with laundry folding and putting away; Pick up toys; Feed and water pets; Help weed and water in the garden; Help bring in groceries and put away; May be able to help vacuum in small, easy rooms; Dusting.

6-7 years old: Helping sort recycling; Loading the dishwasher; Helping wash dishes; Laundry tasks; Setting and clearing the table; Vacuum and sweep (can be put in charge of the porch or a reasonable-sized room); Tidy own room; Make bed with minimal help; Take care of pets; Help in the garden (watering, weeding, hauling); Help wash car; Washing windows.

8-10 years old: Sorting recycling; Taking out trash; Cleaning bathroom; Loading and unloading the dishwasher or washing dishes; Helping with meal preparation (can help feed younger siblings - make sandwiches, cereal, etc.); Take over cleaning room; Carry in and unload groceries (and put away); Feed, water, clean pets (including clean out a litter box, or clean a small animal’s cage); Sweeping, vacuuming, dusting. By this age, some kids can generally take responsibility for accomplishing a task on a weekly basis. Some kids need more time to get into a routine.