Chores for Children

KIDS CHORES BY AGE

Here are some helpful hints as to what chores you can reasonably expect your child to do at each stage.  Some kids are different and will do things earlier (love those kids!) Kids should NOT be expected to do these without reminders until they’re about twelve.  They CAN, but that doesn’t mean they will, so you can prompt them and encourage them to do it without your reminders, but don’t get upset if you do need to give them that nudge.  After all, the parent is still the authority of the household, with an adult’s experience and perspective. 

2-3 YRS

PICK UP TOYS

PICK UP DIRTY CLOTHES

4-5 YRS

THE ABOVE PLUS

SET TABLE AND HELP TO CLEAR IT

UNLOAD CLEAN SILVERWARE & SORT IT TO PUT AWAY

MAKE BED

TIDY SHOES, COATS, ETC IN MUDROOM OR FRONT ENTRY

ANIMAL CHORES:  WATER OR FEED WITH HELP & REMINDERS

EMPTY SMALL WASTEBASKETS INTO TRASH

6-7

THE ABOVE PLUS

SWEEPING

MIRRORS

RAKING THE LAWN

WEEDING & PLANTING & PICKING IN THE GARDEN

CHANGE SHEETS ON BED WITH HELP

HELP TO SORT, FOLD AND PUT AWAY CLEAN LAUNDRY

DUST

UNLOAD DISHWASHER

MAKE SIMPLE LUNCHES OR BREAKFASTS

8-11

THE ABOVE PLUS

CLEAN SINKS

SWIFFER/MOP

VACUUM

WASH DISHES BY HAND

TAKE OUT TRASH TO THE ROAD/DUMPSTER

FOOD PREPARATION:  OATMEAL, EGGS, PANCAKES, ETC.

12-13

THE ABOVE PLUS

CONTINUING FOOD PREPARATION: SALADS, DRESSINGS, BAKED GOODS

MOW LAWN

BABYSIT

CLEAN THEIR OWN ROOM

LAUNDRY

14-17

ABOVE PLUS

DO HOUSEHOLD CHORES WITHOUT REMINDERS

PLAN A MEAL, PURCHASE GROCERIES AND PREPARE THE FOOD

DEEP CLEANING