Chores Kids Can Do: A Guide to Age-Appropriate Tasks for Kids

As parents, we often find ourselves swamped with endless household tasks. But here’s a little secret: kids can be excellent helpers! By involving them in chores, we not only ease our burden but also teach them valuable life skills. Let’s dive in and discover what chores kids can do so we can turn your little ones into happy helpers!

The Importance of Chores for Kids

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about why chores are so important for kids:

Life Skills: Chores teach kids practical skills they’ll use throughout their lives.
Responsibility: Handling tasks gives them a sense of responsibility.
Work Ethic: Regular chores help instill a strong work ethic.
Time Management: Balancing chores with playtime teaches them time management.
Teamwork: Contributing to household chores promotes teamwork and cooperation.

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

Kids can start helping around the house from a young age. Here’s a breakdown of the best chores for each age.

Chores for 4-Year-Olds

At this age, kids are eager to help and love to mimic adult behaviors. Simple tasks are ideal.

Picking up toys: Encourage them to put toys back in their designated spots.
Dusting: Hand them a duster to clean low surfaces like coffee tables and shelves.
Watering plants: Supervise them as they water indoor plants with a small watering can.
Setting the table: Show them where utensils go and let them help set the table.

Chores for 5-Year-Olds

As they grow, kids can handle slightly more complex tasks with some supervision.

Making their bed: Teach them how to straighten the sheets and arrange pillows.
Feeding pets: Assign them the responsibility of feeding family pets.
Sorting laundry: Let them help sort clothes by color and type.
Helping with groceries: They can carry light bags and help put away groceries.
Clear the Table: Let them carry the small or plastic dishes.

Chores for 6-Year-Olds

Kids at this age can take on more detailed tasks with guidance.

Clearing the table: After meals, have them clear their own dishes and utensils.
Sweeping floors: Provide a small broom and dustpan for them to sweep small areas.
Folding towels: Show them how to fold simple items like towels and washcloths.
Watering outdoor plants: Supervise them as they water plants in the garden.
Empty trash baskets: Show them how to empty the bathroom wastebaskets into a bigger trash can.

Chores for 7-Year-Olds

Seven-year-olds can manage more tasks independently with occasional supervision.

Vacuuming: Teach them how to use the vacuum cleaner for small areas.
Putting away laundry: Have them put their folded clothes into drawers and closets.
Helping with meal prep: Involve them in simple tasks like washing vegetables or stirring ingredients.
Taking out the trash: At this age they can take out the trash and replace the bag.

Chores for 8-Year-Olds

Kids at this age can handle multi-step tasks and work more independently.

Washing dishes: Teach them how to wash dishes by hand or load the dishwasher.
Cleaning their room: Have them tidy up their room by making the bed, organizing toys, and putting away clothes.
Raking leaves: Provide a child-sized rake and show them how to gather leaves into piles.
Setting up for family meals: Let them help with setting the table and serving food.
Help make and pack lunch: Show them how to make, pack and put away their school lunch.

Chores for 9-Year-Olds

Nine-year-olds can take on more responsibility and perform tasks with little supervision.

Cleaning windows: Show them how to clean windows using a safe cleaner and a cloth.
Mopping floors: A swiffer wet mop is great for this task.
Helping with laundry: They can start the washing machine, transfer clothes to the dryer, and fold clothes.
Preparing simple snacks: Involve them in making simple snacks like sandwiches or fruit salads.
Peel vegetables: This is a great first step into helping prepare family meals.

Chores for 10-Year-Olds

Kids at this age can handle more complex and demanding tasks.

Mowing the lawn: With supervision, they can start mowing small sections of the lawn.
Pulling weeds: Show them what weeds look for and teach them to pull the root, not just the leaves.
Cooking simple meals: Teach them how to prepare simple dishes with adult supervision.
Cleaning bathrooms: Show them how to clean sinks, counters, and toilets.
Organizing common areas: Assign them the task of tidying up living rooms or play areas.

Chores for 11-Year-Olds

Eleven-year-olds can take on more household responsibilities independently.

Washing the car: Involve them in washing the inside and outside of the family car.
Grocery shopping: Give them a list and let them help find items while grocery shopping.
Vacuuming entire rooms: They can vacuum larger areas and entire rooms.
Helping with younger siblings: Have them assist in watching or playing with younger siblings (while parent is home).

Chores for 12-Year-Olds

At this age, kids can handle a variety of tasks and take on significant responsibilities.

Change bed sheets: They can change out their bed sheets and wash and fold their dirty sheets.
Meal planning and preparation: Involve them in planning meals and cooking with supervision.
Deep cleaning: Assign them tasks like deep cleaning the fridge, baseboards, cabinets, etc.
Managing household schedules: Let them help with organizing family schedules and activities.

Tips for Motivating Kids to Do Their Chores

We all know that getting kids to do chores can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some tips to help keep them motivated:

1. Make it Fun

Music and Games: Play their favorite music while doing chores or turn it into a game.
Family Chore Time: Work on chores together as a family to make it a shared activity.

2. Be Positive

Praise and Encouragement: Always acknowledge their efforts, even if the result isn’t perfect.
Constructive Feedback: Offer gentle guidance on how they can improve without criticizing.

3. Consistency is Key

Routine: Establish a regular chore routine so it becomes a habit.
Reminders: Use gentle reminders rather than nagging.

4. Teach and Demonstrate

Model Behavior: Show them how to do a task before expecting them to do it alone.
Patience: Be patient and give them time to learn and improve.

5. Reward System

Point System: Create a point system where they earn points for completed chores which can be exchanged for rewards.
Special Privileges: Offer privileges like choosing a movie for family night or having a sleepover with a friend.

Involving your kids in household chores can be a game-changer for your family. It’s not just about getting help around the house—it’s about teaching valuable life skills and fostering a sense of responsibility. By using chore charts and employing some motivation strategies, you can turn chores into a positive and rewarding experience for your kids. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection, so celebrate their efforts and enjoy the journey together.