48 Practical and Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

My older kids (ages 5 and 7) have to earn their “screen time”. Time spent watching TV and using their tablets are only allowed after homework and chores are done. During summer vacation, they are required to complete one hour of homework and two chores before they begin to play for the day.

Raising independent children with good character and values starts at home. Teaching our kids how to care for themselves, their things, and caring for those around them can be taught as young as a year old.

Our kids are a lot smarter than we give them credit for.

Teaching children how to complete chores will help them to understand responsibility and hard-work at a young age. My kids understand that it is “their job” to take care of their toys and make sure their room is clean at the end of the day. By teaching those important qualities at a young age will help them succeed later on in life.

Each child is different. Your child’s maturity level will determine the types of chores they may be able to complete. As your child gets older and gets better at finishing chores, consider giving them an allowance or reward for completing tasks.

Ages 2-4

• Help make bed
• Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket
• Put toys away
• Clean spills
• Water plants
• Get dressed
• Get undressed before bath time
• Help brush their teeth

Ages 5-7

• All the above chores
• Brush teeth
• Wash face
• Make bed
• Set the dinner table
• Clear the dinner table
• Help make and pack lunches
• Prepare a small snack
• Help load dishwasher
• Bring in mail
• Feed pet
• Tidy bedroom
• Take sheets off the bed
• Pull weeds in the garden
• Sort recycling
• Sort dirty laundry in color-coordinated piles
• Sweep floors

Ages 8-10

• All the above chores
• Sweep and Vacuum
• Prepare breakfast
• Help make family meals
• Pack away leftovers
• Load/empty dishwasher
• Fold Laundry
• Rake Leaves
• Walk the dog
• Put groceries
• Take the trash out

Ages 11+

• All the above chores
• Help care for younger siblings
• Clean bathrooms top to bottom
• Make meals
• Wash the car
• Operate the washer and dryer
• Basic home repairs
• Iron
• Mow the lawn
• Shovel snow
• Clean rooms in the house
• Clean out fridge and pantry

What chores do your kids have? Share in the comments below.