Age-Based Chores
Age-Based Chores
Not sure when or how to introduce your children to helping around the house? Don’t worry, it’s a dilemma every parent faces! We’ve put together age chart lists as well as unisex printable charts!
Before we get into the lists there are a few things we want every parent to be mindful of when starting their child on chores:
Don’t insist on perfection. Especially when learning it is important to create a positive and calm environment. Remember that the more they enjoy what they are doing the better they will do!
Don’t delay. You may think your child is too young to help around the house, but children are more capable than we think! Often copying everything we do at a young age. Chores don’t have to be major jobs around the house, but getting your child to pick their clothes from the floor and put them in the laundry basket will start good habits.
Praise Praise Praise. We all know positive reinforcement works wonders when teaching. And going back to our first point, the more the child lieks what they are doing the better job they will do!
Chores for children ages 2 to 3
- Put toys away
- Fill pet’s food dish
- Put clothes in hamper
- Wipe up spills
- Dust
- Pile books and magazines
Chores for children ages 4 to 5
Any of the previous chores, plus:
- Make their bed
- Bring in mail or newspaper
- Clear table
- Pull weeds, if you have a garden
- Water flowers
- Unload utensils from dishwasher
- Make own cereal
Chores for children ages 6 to 7
Any of the previous chores, plus:
- Sort laundry
- Sweep floors
- Set and clear table
- Help make and pack lunch
- Weed and rake leaves
Keep bedroom tidy
Chores for children ages 8 to 9
Any of the previous chores, plus:
- Load dishwasher
- Put away groceries
- Vacuum
- Help make dinner
- Make own snacks
- Put away own laundry
- Sew buttons
- Make own breakfast
- Peel vegetables
Chores for children ages 10 and older
Any of the previous chores, plus:
- Unload dishwasher
- Fold laundry
- Clean bathroom
- Wash windows
- Wash car
- Cook simple meal with supervision
- Clean kitchen
- Change their bed sheets
Our number 1 tip for all parents is to make chores as fun as possible when your children are learning. If cleaning and house work seems fun you will have a whole army of helpers! Please note, there is no right or wrong time to introduce your children as each child develops at different rates so please feel free to edit these lists based on your child’s capabilities and you can always create your own chart at Canva.com!
Downloadable Age Charts Below
2-3
4-5
6-7
8-9
