Age Appropriate Chores for Kids (Infographic)
It’s wise to start teaching children to help around the house with assigned chores when they’re young. They can be taught to participate and feel a part of the family effort as young as age two or three. Children take pride in doing chores, and the tasks instill a sense of responsibility that can serve them well throughout life. That said, it’s never too late to get kids started with using age appropriate chores!
Most experts agree that three factors can be the key to success. One is to have chores that are appropriate for the child. Second, have a positive attitude and don’t make the chores feel like punishment. And the third is to use Printable Chore Charts to help target the behavior and monitor activities.
Of course, a child’s age doesn’t really define what chores are appropriate, but it can give a starting guideline. The physical, developmental, and emotional age of a child all make a difference. So be prepared to adapt the list!
Make it fun and don’t expect perfection. After all, you want to encourage chore activities, not make your son or daughter frustrated or resentful. The more kids accept doing chores when young, the better the chance they will cooperate when older.
Take a look at our large selection of Chore Charts to find one that fits your needs! We have them grouped in separate categories such as for ages 3 – 5, ages 6 – 10, and older kids.
See our helpful infographic below to find age appropriate chores for your kids.
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Age Appropriate Chores for Kids: By Age Group
A list of age appropriate chores is only a general guideline; use it to give you ideas of tasks to consider. Adaptations are naturally needed for individual situations. (One note: When cleaning is involved, be sure to give your child nontoxic products to use! And if a child has dust allergies or asthma, the use of a face mask is advised if using the vacuum.)
A daily or weekly sticker chore chart should be displayed in a visible location in the home where it will serve as a helpful reminder, and will also let the child take special pride in accomplishments.
Ages 2 – 3
- Help make bed
- Put clothes in hamper
- Pick up and put away books and toys
- Fill pet’s dish
Ages 4 – 5
Previous chores plus
- Make bed
- Help clear table
- Empty wastebaskets
- Water flowers
- Help unload utensils
- Fix bowl of cereal
Download free printable chore charts for ages 3-5
Ages 6 – 7
Previous chores plus
- Sort laundry and put in drawers
- Help make & pack lunch
- Help set & clear table
- Help put groceries away
- Sweep floors
- Help load dishwasher
Download free printable chore charts for ages 6-10
Ages 8-10
Previous chores plus
- Organize recycling
- Sort clean laundry and put in drawers
- Make & pack lunch
- Set and clear table
- Bring light groceries in from car
- Walk pet
- Take garbage out
- Keep bedroom tidy
- Load and unload dishwasher
Download free printable chore charts for ages 6-10
Ages 11-12
Previous chores plus
- Vacuum
- Mow lawn
- Sort and wash laundry
- Help prepare meals
- Wipe counters in bathroom and kitchen
- Rake leaves/weed
- Wash pots and pans
- Wash windows
Download free printable chore charts for ages 11+
Teens
Previous chores plus
- Housecleaning
- Plan meals
- Prepare meals
- Babysit siblings
- Wash car
- Help with home repairs
Download free printable chore charts for ages 11+
Leave us a comment below if you enjoyed our helpful age appropriate chores infographic and if you downloaded some of our free chore charts. We would love to hear from you!
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