Many new parents are surprised to discover that even kids as young as two can help out around the house. Use our breakdown of age appropriate chores for kids as a guide.
Not only are there many age appropriate chores for kids of all ages, research shows that chores are great for kids – even if said kids deny it vehemently.
Children who are responsible for chores have a higher self-esteem, understand accountability, better deal with delay of gratification, and are more responsible. The important thing to remember when assigning chores is that you know your children best.
Every child matures at their own pace and you should adjust their chores accordingly. Pick one or two chores for them to do each day.
Age Appropriate Chores For Kids
Chores for Toddlers
- Help make their beds.
- Put away toys.
- Take care of their dirty laundry.
- Feed pets.
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Chores for Preschoolers
- Set out their clothes for the next day.
- Make their bed.
- Set the table.
- Gather ingredients for dinner and help mix/stir.
- Sort laundry.
- Straighten their bookshelf.
- Clean their room.
- Put away silverware.
Chores for Children in Early Grade School
- Comb hair.
- Vacuum single rooms.
- Fold and put their away laundry.
- Help prepare dinner.
- Empty small trash cans.
- Put away dishes.
- Dust.
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Chores for Middle Schoolers
- Their personal hygiene.
- Keep their room clean.
- Prepare easy meals by themselves.
- Clean the bathrooms.
- Supervised laundry.
- Load the dishwasher and put away.
- Take out the trash.
- Sweep and mop.
Chores for Preteens – Teens
- Change and wash bedding.
- Deep cleaning bedroom.
- Mow lawn.
- Babysit siblings.
- Prepare meals.
- Clean windows and mirrors.
- Wash dishes.
- Clean bathrooms.
Have trouble getting your kids to do their chores? Try using a chore chart.
Kids love visual reinforcement and the satisfaction of checking off a chore (or earning a sticker for completion!)
Download this free printable Snow White chore chart to customize for your kids.
Tip: Choose rewards as a family. That way you know the rewards are worth motivating your children.
Reward ideas: Individual time with mom or dad, a treat, extra tv or computer time, a day at the park, swimming etc.
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My kids fight tooth and nail over chores, and it’s not like it’s anything new I’ve just sprung on them. But, my youngest seems to be really getting into helping and doing chores.
My son is in middle schooler, now I know what is the perfect thing his chores.
This is a great thing to use for your kids! It shows them responsibility and make them a bit more independent. Thank you for the great post!!!
Such a great post. I am teaching my 3 year old son to help me fixing the bed and clean up all the toys.
Love this! My kids are required to learn chores in the house for discipline and for their own good too. I don’t want them growing up and not knowing what to do with food or laundry. They have to learn how to take care of themselves especially when I’m gone.