Giving kids chores teaches responsibility and lets them feel like an important member of the household. Keep reading for chores kids can do, listed by age.
Why Children Need Chores
I am a strong believer that children should be active members of the family. I welcome their opinions (though Mom and Dad always have the final say) and I love to hear what’s on their minds. On the flip side, I expect them to participate in household chores and take care of their own belongings.
Age appropriate chores teach children responsibility, strong work ethic, and help them feel like a part of the family.
There are many reasons why kids should help with chores. Here are a few of the most important:
- Chores teach kids responsibility. When kids are responsible for certain tasks, they learn how to take care of their belongings and their own personal space. This is an important life skill that will benefit them into adulthood.
- Chores teach kids about teamwork. When siblings work together to do chores, they learn how to cooperate and compromise. This skill helps them in the family dynamic and it will carry over to school and work situations later in life.
- Chores teach kids about self-reliance. Chores help kids learn how to take care of themselves and their own needs, which is crucial in becoming an independent adult.
- Chores teach kids about the value of hard work. When kids do chores, they learn that hard work is necessary to achieve goals.
- Chores teach kids about the importance of giving back. Helping out without expecting a reward teaches kids that we are all in this together as team. They learn that sometimes we do things for others just because.
In addition to these benefits, chores can also help kids develop a sense of accomplishment, learn time management skills, and build self-esteem.
Related: 3 Steps to Stop Temper Tantrums on the Spot
At What Age Should Kids Start Chores?
It’s never too early to start teaching kids how to help out around the house. Even small tasks have big benefits! Toddlers as young as 2 years old can help you with basic household chores. Or at least keep you company!
Little kids will likely need a lot of supervision and assistance, and that’s ok! It’s not so much about working hard and doing heavy cleaning, but about starting good habits early.
Each list of list of age-appropriate chores are simply suggestions – there may be things that apply to your home that might not be on our list and vice-versa.
Age Appropriate Chores for 3-5 Year Olds
An important thing to keep in mind: with this age group, the focus is on teaching kids how to do a simple household task. During this learning process, I explain to my youngest daughter what we are doing and why to develop a routine and a positive attitude towards helping.
Your child will likely need your assistance with most of these, so it might actually add a bit of extra time for you to demonstrate and guide them. Just remember that you are laying the groundwork for strong work ethic later in life!
- Help put away their toys
- Fold and put away their own clothing
- Pick up dirty laundry and put in hamper
- Help fold washcloths and small towels
- Help set and clear the table
- Pick up shoes
- Help unload the dishwasher and put away silverware
- Swiffer or sweep the floor
- Dust with a feather duster
- Feed pets
- Water plants
- Make their bed
Another note: this isn’t intended to be a list of things kids need to do every single day, but rather ideas to try. You can pick one, pick a couple, whatever works for your family.
Age Appropriate Chores for 6-10 Year Olds
This is a transition phase: kids will need less assistance from you, and should be able to complete small tasks on their own. You will also be able to introduce more complicated sequences that they’ll be able to master over time.
- Making their bed
- Putting away clean clothes
- Move clothes from the washer to the dryer
- Setting and clearing the table
- Wipe down sinks
- Hand washing dishes
- Help unload the dishwasher
- Fold blankets
- Fold laundry
- Picking up toys and books
- Take out the trash
- Feed pets
- Water plants
- Rake leaves
- Vacuuming
- Help with cooking
- Help younger siblings with their chores
These are just a few ideas, and you may find that your child is capable of more or less than these tasks. The most important thing is to find chores that are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities, and to be patient and encouraging as they learn.
Age Appropriante Chores for Tweens and Teens
Older kids and teens should be able to do a variety of chores without assistance. They can now start to take a more significant role in the family responsibilities, and truly help!
- Making their bed
- Laundry
- Setting and clearing the table
- Clean bathrooms and toilets
- Hand washing dishes
- Unload the dishwasher
- Folding clothes and towels
- Picking up toys and books
- Take out the trash
- Feed pets
- Water plants
- Vacuuming and mopping
- Help with cooking
- Wash the car
- Rake leaves
- Put away groceries
- Wash windows
- Cook easy meals
- Help younger siblings with their chores
How To Get Kids to WANT to Help Out at Home
Now this is the tricky part at first! But the sooner that you start working on chores then it just becomes part of the regular routine and kids expect it.
When you’re getting started, motivation like chore charts, sticker charts, allowance, etc. can definitely be helpful tools. Especially for extra chores. I loved finding ways to earn extra spending money as a kid!
That being said, I don’t personally reward my girls for every single chore they do — some of it is simply expected as being part of the family. As I explain, “Mom is not a maid!” I want my girls to grow up knowing that a family is a team and we work together.
Our family usually tidies during the week and one day on the weekend we’ll have a “pick up party” with music. There’s something about playing fun music while you’re cleaning that actually makes it go by faster!
At the end of the day, we’ll enjoy the clean home together with a movie night and maybe a special meal or treat.
I don’t want the kids to feel like they have to be bribed in order to pitch in. We all share the house, we’re all on a team!
Pin this Handy Chore List for Kids on Pinterest:
Grab a black & white printable version of this chore chart here!
Disclosure: This post was originally created for a sponsored campaign. It has since been updated to remove old links and include new information.
You might also like:
How to Teach Kids to Brush their Own Teeth
- Loaded Baked Potato Dip - May 26, 2023
- Copycat Reese’s White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - May 25, 2023
- 4th of July Margaritas - May 24, 2023
Sylvia says
Proper motivation is important at every stage of life. Both children should be motivated by parents and employees by employers. We should always have a goal and know why we are doing what we are doing.