Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

One or our responsibilities as parents is to raise our children to be responsible, successful adults. Part of that responsibility is teaching our kids how to do household chores.  I’ve thought about the things I am trying to teach my boys (yes “trying”, it’s not always easy!) and here is my list of age-appropriate chores for kids.

Age-Appropriate Chores For Kids

Before I am ready, my boys will be packing their bags and heading out to face the world on their own. And while I can’t even think about it right now without wanting to cry, I know that part of our responsibility as parents is to get them ready to leave the house.  In order to be ready to leave, they have to know how to DO THINGS!  My boys still see chores as torture, but really, they are learning valuable life skills that will help them to be succesful.  I start my boys with chores when they are really young doing simple things, and add to those responsibilities as they get older.  My list of age-appropriate chores for kids is below.

Chores for Kids Ages 2-3

• Pick up toys
• Take dirty clothes to clothes bin
• Help set the table
• Throw away trash
• Unload spoons and forks from dishwasher
• Wipe up spills
• Hold dustpan while you sweep

Chores for Kids Ages 4-5

• Feed pets
• Make bed
• Fold towels and wash cloths
• Sort dark and while laundry
• Unload dishwasher
• Use handheld vacuum
• Put away groceries
• Water plants

Chores for Kids Ages 6-8

• Load and Unload Dishwasher
• Switch laundry
• Fold and put laundry away
• vacuum
• Dust
• Weed and rake leaves
• Help change sheets
• Make lunches and snacks
• Peel Vegetables

Chores for Kids Ages 10-12

• Wash and vacuum the car
• Plant flowers or garden
• Scramble eggs/ Make grilled cheese sandwiches and other simple meals
• Bake cookies and cupcakes
• Mow the lawn
• Sweep and mop floor
• Gather and take out trash
• Clean toilets
• Operate washer and dryer and dishwasher

Chores for Kids Ages 13+

• Change sheets without help
• Change lightbulbs
• Prepare meals
• Clean shower and tub
• Do laundry start to finish
• Have total responsibility for pets
• Tend younger siblings

Get our Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids Quick Reference below:

 

What can you add to this list of age appropriate chores for kids?

This post is a part of our series 31 Days of Tips for Raising Boys. 

Find all of our posts in one place on our series home page:  31 Days of Tips for Raising Boys

Check out our Pirate Chore Chart printable set: