Teach kids responsibility for life with age appropriate chores (handy infographic inside!)
By the end of summer, I find that our family tends to become fairly relaxed in our routine at home. I welcome Fall, not only because it is my favorite season, but also because it gives us a good reason to get back into a more structured schedule. In short, we get more done!
Age Appropriate Chores for Kids that Teach Responsibility
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.
I’ve partnered with GoalUp to create a list of age appropriate household tasks to give children ages 2-12. I’ll also share how I use GoalUp as an alternative to allowance that motivates my daughter to do more than the bare minimum — happily!
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Age appropriate chores for 2-3 year olds
An important thing to keep in mind: at this stage, the focus is on teaching kids how to do simple household chores. During this learning process, I explain to my youngest daughter (2) 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!
- dusting (with a dry duster or rag)
- helping put clothes away
- helping fold small towels or wash cloths
- putting away toys
- helping unload the dishwasher
Age appropriate chores for 4-7 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.
- dusting
- putting away clothes
- wiping down bathroom sink
- helping fold clothes/towels
- helping unload dishwasher
- setting the table
- clearing the table after meals
- making their bed
- putting away toys/books
Age appropriante chores for 8-12 year olds
Older elementary aged children 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!
- dusting
- sorting laundry into loads for wash
- putting away clean clothes
- helping unload dishwasher
- setting the table
- clearing the table after meals
- making their bed
- putting away toys/books
- cleaning bathroom (with non-bleach cleaner)
- sweeping and/or mopping
- washing the car
- emptying small trash cans
Pin this Handy Chores for Kids Infographic on Pinterest:
Accountability and Motivation
I don’t 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.
Mom is not a maid!
However, I love to give my oldest daughter the opportunity to go above and beyond with the GoalUp program. We use GoalUp as an alternative to allowance — my daughter earns points when she completes tasks and can redeem those points for toys, books. The points are hers to “spend” as she chooses on toys, books, or even big-ticket items like bicycles.
Not only does the GoalUp program provide positive motivation, it also teaches accountability. My daughter can track her progress and decide what outstanding tasks she’d like to complete to earn more points. It is a practical way to illustrate the value of all the “stuff” that kids sometimes take for granted. When you work to earn something, it means more to you!
Click here to read more about our experience with GoalUp and why I think it is better than a traditional allowance system.
The new GoalUp app (available on Google Play and the iTunes Store) makes it even easier for parents to add tasks, purchase points, and track their child’s progress. It’s free to download and create an account!
Visit GoalUp.com to download a free chore chart for and get started with this innovative tool to teach and encourage your child!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of GoalUp; however, all opinions are 100% mine.
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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.