Age – Appropriate Chores

Each child develops at a different rate. It may take more time to accomplish tasks, but the outcome is that your child is learning to be independent and responsible.

Chores for 2/3 years

  • Pick up toys/put away
  • Put books away
  • Place napkins and cutlery on the table – may need help with the correct placement
  • Help to clean up their messes after eating
  • Learn to make simple choices by being given a choice of two foods for breakfast
  • Take dishes to the counter after eating
  • Co-operate with toilet training
  • Undress/dress with assistance
  • Put dirty clothes in hamper/laundry room
  • Help put away groceries on lower shelves
  • Pick up the newspaper
  • Assist with feeding the pets
  • Put recycling items in their containers
  • Hang up coats and sweaters on low hooks /mittens and hats in basket/ shoes or boots neatly to the side

Chores for 4 years

  • Set the table
  • Put groceries away
  • Help make a grocery list and assist with shopping by taking appropriate items off the shelf
  • Feed pets
  • Help with dusting
  • Help fill the dishwasher
  • Spread butter or peanut butter on sandwiches
  • Prepare cold cereal
  • Hold the hand mixer when baking
  • Get the mail
  • Put away toys or belongings after playing with them

 Chores for 5 years

  • Assist with meal planning and grocery shopping
  • Make simple breakfast or sandwich
  • Clean up messes after eating
  • Set the table with items in correct positions
  • Make beds and assist with cleaning their rooms
  • Choose own outfits with guidance and dress on their own
  • Put clean clothes away in their drawers
  • Answer the telephone appropriately (model and teach!)
  • Help wash the car
  • Take out the garbage
  • Learn to tie shoes
  • Participate in self-grooming
  • Empty dishwasher and stack items on counter

Chores for 6 years

  • Water plants and flowers
  • Peel vegetables
  • Hang own clothing in closet
  • Rake leaves or pull weeds
  • Tie own shoes

Chores for 7 years

  • Sort laundry
  • Sweep floors
  • Set/Clear table
  • Help make lunch
  • Keep room tidy
  • Pour own drinks
  • Personal hygiene (tooth brushing wait until 8 years)
  • Answer telephone (after being taught)

Chores for 8-9 years

  • Put away groceries
  • Vacuum
  • Help make dinner
  • Make own snacks
  • Make own breakfast
  • Cook simple food (toast)
  • Mop floor
  • Walk animals

Chores for 10+ years

  • Fold and put away laundry
  • Clean bathroom
  • Wash car
  • Cook simple meal with supervision
  • Change bed
  • Make cookies or cake (adult supervision)
  • Have a neighborhood job (pet-walker, shoveling snow