Chores for Kids by Age

A house full of boys means I have a house full of dirt. The laundry never ends, the floors are always dirty and don’t even talk to me about the bathrooms. *gag* I can’t possibly keep up with all the cleaning so I have to delegate. If you live in our house, eat the food, use the bathroom, and make messes you have to help clean up. (Unless you’re a baby) So, we implement the 3 chore rule. Each child that is old enough to help (the 3-year-old helps) has to do 3 chores before they earn the time to play.

3 CHORES

Usually, once a week I will assign age-appropriate chores that need to be completed before anyone can play outside, on a tablet, video games or watch TV. Sometimes I have to guide them and teach them how to do the chore but eventually, they will be responsible for the completion of their chore.

DAILY HELP

In addition to our weekly 3 Chores, the kids are given daily cleaning tasks like putting away toys, picking up shoes and clothes, clearing the table, etc… These duties help them take responsibility for their things and actions. “If you leave your clothes all over the floor you have to clean them up.”

AGE APPROPRIATE CHORES

So which chores do my children do? Here’s a list of age-appropriate chores.

AGES 2-3

Put toys away
Put clothes in the hamper
Wipe the table
Dust
Help put things away

AGES 4-5

Any of the Previous Chores
Make bed
Set table
Use small vacuum
Water flowers
Help unload dishwasher
Wash dishes in the sink
Take out recycling
Clear table
Match socks
Fold towels
Clean windows

AGES 6-8

Any of the Previous Chores
Sort laundry
Sweep floors
Move laundry (washer to the dryer) (dryer to basket)
Fold laundry
Wipe down bathroom sinks
Help prepare dinner (chop and peel vegetables)
Help load and unload the dishwasher
Put away laundry
Help put away groceries

AGES 9 and up

Any of the Previous Chores
Cook simple meals
Clean bathrooms
Load and unload the dishwasher
Wash laundry
Mop
Take out trash
Move the trash can to the street

Keep in mind that some children are capable of doing these chores before the listed ages. They are categorized by the age at which I think the majority of kids would be able to do the chore.

Remember, you will have to teach your child to clean, especially if you have a specific way of doing things. They won’t be perfect but they are learning new skills. Eventually, you won’t have to “do the chores with them”.