Age Appropriate Children's Chores

Written by Lisa Hallas

Mom Stages - Children

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As a follow-up to last week's article, Keys to Success for Children's Chores, I wanted to provide a list of specific examples of chores for each age group. This way, you can set up the chores of each child based on their capabilities which sets them up for success. As I mentioned in my previous article, before you start, you will want to discuss the list of chores with your children and get them involved so that they are more committed.

Make sure that each child has his/her own responsibilities, even if some chores can be done together such as washing the car, cooking meals etc. Also, remember, you know your children best. Some children may be more capable to do more advanced chores at an earlier age. Furthermore, the pace of some children may be slower than others. Don't set false expectations and you may be pleasantly surprised with the results!

Age Appropriate Chores for Two and Three Year Olds

• Put toys away
• Fill pet's food dish
• Put clothes in hamper
• Wipe up spills
• Wash hands

Age Appropriate Chores for Four and Five Year Olds

See above and...

• Make own bed
• Empty wastebaskets
• Clear table
• Water flowers
• Unload utensils in dishwasher
• Fix a bowl of cereal
• Dust
• Brush hair, dress self

Age Appropriate Chores for Six and Seven Year Olds

above and...

• Shower, brush teeth self
• Sort laundry
• Sweep floors
• Set and clear table
• Help make and pack lunch
• Keep bedroom tidy
• Pour own drinks
• Pack backpack for school
• Learn to tie shoes
• Start remembering to do homework on own

Age Appropriate Chores for Eight and Nine Year Olds

above and...

• Load dishwasher
• Unpack groceries
• Help make dinner
• Vacuum and mop floor
• Put away own laundry
• Make own breakfast
• Make own snacks
• Take pet for walk
• Weed and rake leaves

Age Appropriate Chores for Ages Ten and Older

above and...

• Unload dishwasher
• Fold laundry
• Clean bathroom
• Cook simple meals
• Change bed
• Clean kitchen
• Do laundry

The number of chores per child also depends on his/her age, so take that into consideration when setting up the responsibility chart.

2-5 years: 2-3 chores
6-9 years: 3-5
10-12 years: 5-7
13+ years: 7-10

Once the rhythm of the family chores is in place, there is nothing to stop you from enjoying the rest of the time with your family!

External resources:

Age Appropriate Chore Charts

Age Appropriate Chores

Chores for Children Checklists

About the Author:

Lisa Hallas is the Type-A Mom Children Editor. She has 2 wonderful girls and is always on the look-out for more information on parenting and raising children in today's world. She has her own blog for busy moms, Super Mom Stop.

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