The ultimate parent conundrum: Do you dole out chores to the kiddos or not? And if you do assign chores, what, when, and how many are appropriate for children? The truth is that when you assign household chores, you also get the chance to teach independence and valuable life lessons. But the chores need to be balanced with the carefree joy of childhood. In this guide, we\u2019ll discuss the value of assigned tasks, detail a list of age-appropriate chores, and give some tips to make chores fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for fun-filled adventures for your family, check out Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition<\/a><\/em>! Our specially crafted adventure books are filled from cover to cover with creative ideas for your family. We\u2019ve included at-home adventures, crafty fun, and weekend explorations as well as conversation enhancers and a place to document your excursions. This book is the easiest way to upgrade your family-adventure game and complement these age-appropriate chores!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Assigning simple chores to children is beneficial for the whole family. Obviously, having a task to complete for a supervisor teaches children about the work power structure, the importance of time management, and proper work ethic. Often, it\u2019s an exercise in problem-solving that forces their little brains to figure out the most efficient way to complete the task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doing chores also contributes to family bonding when the idea that \u201cwe are all in this together\u201d is reinforced. Being trusted with tasks can give children a sense of autonomy and responsibility and can also allow them to feel like they are helping adult family members keep the house running efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, it\u2019s a chance for them to learn how to fend for themselves. There are far too many college students out there who buy new underwear every month because they have no idea how to wash their own laundry. Performing small chores around the house teaches important life skills that will only benefit them in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When assigning household tasks for your family, it\u2019s important to consider the child’s age. First of all, you don\u2019t want any injuries. Secondly, the goal is to teach them to be autonomous, not to stress them out. And lastly, you really don\u2019t want to come back into the room to an even larger mess. In this section, we\u2019ll detail a few chores for each age group and highlight why they are the best options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the time your child can walk and talk, they are cognitively able to begin picking up after themselves. Obviously, their chores should cater to their very short attention span, their inability to multi-task, and their tendency to get overwhelmed by too many stimuli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the ages of 1 to 2 years old, most children are obsessed with sorting. They will repeatedly put all their toys in a bucket, dump them out, and do it all over again. Use their obsession to clean up the living room floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you just tell them to pick up, they will get overwhelmed and not know where to start. You\u2019re going to have to guide them. When it\u2019s time to clean up, get on the floor with them. You hold the bucket and point out toys for them to retrieve and place in the bucket. Once it’s full, take the bucket away, and put it in its place. As they get to older preschool age, they will usually begin to go through the process without guidance if you\u2019re consistent. Prepare for the occasional tantrum!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Matching games are appropriate play for preschool-aged children. Instead of the picture cards, dump out a basket of socks, and have your preschooler match them. When they find a match, they bring them to you to fold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While they may be too young to do laundry, they can<\/em> put their dirty clothes in the basket. They can also help gather dirty clothes that older siblings or their fathers have left on the floor. Make it a scavenger hunt. You\u2019ve probably already noted where your family has left their clothes\u2014challenge your preschooler to find them and bring them to the laundry room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it\u2019s time to change your toddler\u2019s diaper, have them retrieve the diaper for themselves. It\u2019s an easy chore that makes them feel big.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Young children can help with putting away groceries in cabinets or shelves that are on their level. For instance, if you keep the yogurt in the lowest refrigerator drawer, they can unload it. If you keep the Little Debbies in a low drawer, they can dump them in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They’re crawling around on the floor anyway. You might as well put that fact to use! Unlike you, they won\u2019t have sore knees for three days after cleaning the baseboards. Obviously, they aren\u2019t going to wear gloves and handle bleach products, but if you have a microfiber cloth, set them to work. Tell them it’s a car and the baseboard is a race track. Then have them race around the room for the win!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children begin learning colors at a young age. Sorting the laundry is a great time to practice! Once all the dirty laundry is gathered, have them gather all the white ones and bring them to you while you\u2019re getting the washer ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make yard work a family chore! Before the older kids mow the lawn, younger children can pick up sticks and toys out of the yard to make it safe for mowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While they sometimes aren\u2019t much help and messes will be made, starting children out in the kitchen at a young age is valuable on several levels. It allows them to master fine motor skills by learning to whisk, stir, pour with coordination, and hold utensils properly. They learn measurements and what happens when completely different textures and states of matter combine to form new compounds. They also feel really big and important when they serve up their creation to their big siblings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pop your 3-year-old on the counter, far away from the stove, and guide them through the process. Little ones love to dump the veggies into the pot of water, stir the potatoes, or put in the spices. You can allow them to taste, touch, and smell the ingredients for some extra tactile stimulation. Turn up the magic by turning on a fun playlist while you cook together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the kids start school, you can turn up the volume on chores. Grade school is a broad category, we know. Children vary vastly in ability and maturity levels in this section, so more than any other age group, you\u2019ll need to adjust these to your individual children. There\u2019s a lot of difference between a 5-year-old and a 10-year-old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smaller grade-school children may need a stool, but they can all help wash dishes. If you\u2019re one of those people who has a conniption when the dishwasher is not loaded perfectly, you\u2019re going to get a lesson in flexibility. The good part about teaching young children is that they don\u2019t have bad habits. They might be easier to train than your spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you don\u2019t trust them to run the washing machine yet, they can gather dirty sheets and towels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children actually enjoy the Swiffer duster. It\u2019s like a sword or a lightsaber. Give them a feather duster, and set them free on the blinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older elementary school kids can absolutely cook simple meals. One night a week, make it \u201ccook for mom\u201d or \u201cfend for yourself\u201d night. After some stove safety instructions, children can make macaroni and cheese, steam veggies, bake their own chicken nuggets, or make pizza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you wash it and fold it, it\u2019s only fair that they put it away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raking leaves or yard clippings is a perfect chore for children 7 years old or above. It\u2019s perfectly acceptable to have a session of jumping in the leaf pile while on break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even very young children can help fold towels and washcloths. Usually around the age of 7 or 8, children are perfectly capable of doing laundry. Take some time to teach them the process of sorting and the rules of water temperature. They can read at this point, so make them an easy checklist on the wall, and set them to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your house is like most houses, the dining table (if you even use it to eat) will need to be cleared of the day\u2019s junk! That\u2019s the perfect job for your grade schooler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elementary children are old enough to be in charge of their own pets, and it\u2019s a good daily chore. They can clean cages and feed and bathe the animals with ease. They might just need a little reminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s something soothing about vacuuming. If you\u2019ve got a stressed kiddo or one that needs an attitude adjustment, send them to their room to vacuum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sweeping takes a bit more coordination, especially when using the dustpan. Older grade school kids can pull it off, though, and younger kids can master it, too, but they do better with a smaller broom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cleaning products can be a bit harsh, but everyone can pitch in for a clean bathroom. You might want to save the bathtub scrubbing for tweens. Once grade schoolers can master gloves and understand the hazards, then they can clean the toilets. Younger kids can help by shaking out rugs, restocking toilet paper, and picking up dirty towels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might not want to set your first grader free on the trinkets with a duster, but older elementary kids are totally capable. With younger ones, turn it into an I-Spy game: \u201cI spy with my little eye, something purple that needs to be cleaned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As children get older, their room is their haven. They can be responsible for keeping it clean. Doing it all at once can be overwhelming. To avoid the disaster, make a chore chart, and have them do one thing in their room each day to keep it tidy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If they can reach the shelves, they can unload the groceries. Everyone can help get them from the car to the house, and older kids can unload and put them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As soon as they understand germs and the importance of hand washing, they can become responsible for the trash. Make it a family affair, with each family member responsible for the trash in one room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We all have that box of office papers under the desk that we never seem to get to. It makes a great kid chore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older kids often enjoy organizing. It\u2019s more like a game of Tetris than cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now we get to the toughest crowd. Teens are notoriously cranky. If you started early, they will be used to the daily chores and probably stay on board. However, if you\u2019re just starting to implement chores for your children, you\u2019ll probably have to wade through a little backlash. Teens do still go for incentives, though, whether it\u2019s money or getting to go out with friends once chores are done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even older children will need some guidance and teaching before operating mowers and weedeaters, but with proper safety gear and some instructions, they can totally handle the yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a right of passage for older siblings to babysit younger ones. You don\u2019t want to make them feel responsible for rearing their siblings and breed resentment, though. Sell it as a chance to be a mentor and bond with their younger siblings, who look up to them. Challenge them to make it fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like vacuuming, there’s just something very satisfying about power washing. Your teen will probably love it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be frank\u2014their balance is far better than yours. They\u2019re probably safer on the ladder than you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organizing the garage is a chore best left to older kids since there’s a plethora of power tools and sharp things there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a swimming pool, have the kids clean it before or while they take a swim. Older kids can also be in charge of keeping the pool pH correct. It\u2019s a chore and chemistry lesson all in one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This job stinks, and you\u2019ll likely need to bribe them with allowance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your teen is no doubt a pro at cleaning out the fridge. While they’re devouring everything on the shelves, have them wipe them down with some disinfectant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mopping with young children is a disaster waiting to happen. Save it for the older kiddos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If they want to drive your car this weekend, they can clean out the french fries from the floor. Whether they do it by hand or drive to the car wash, using the car equals cleaning the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in an area where burning leaves or brush is legal, your teenager can handle that with proper instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your teen can drive, they can help with errands. Send them to the grocery store with a list. Have them drop off the water bill. They can also get gas, pick up their siblings, drop off the Amazon returns, and learn to make bank deposits. All of these little things help you out, yes, but more than that, they teach your teen to operate in an adult world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nobody wants to do chores. You<\/em> don\u2019t want to do them, so it\u2019s unlikely your children will, either. The chores they do want to complete are probably the ones you wish they didn\u2019t. You will likely need to incorporate games, incentives, and instruction. Making daily chores work in a household takes flexibility on both sides. You’ll have to learn to let go of perfection (if that\u2019s a struggle for you). You\u2019ll also need to convince your kids that you\u2019re not trying to punish them but that caring for your possessions and your family is part of life. It\u2019s often easier just to do it yourself, but that doesn\u2019t benefit anyone. It\u2019s harder at first, but in the long run, it pays off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many parents also struggle with the idea of \u201cmaking children work.\u201d However, chores are a chance for kids to learn valuable skills. They really do help with physical coordination, mental planning, multitasking, and responsibility. Sending them out into an adult world with absolutely no skills and no sense of duty isn\u2019t healthy for them or beneficial. You\u2019re not punishing or using your child as labor. You\u2019re teaching them to play their part and give their best to the whole to keep the community working at max efficiency. They have a role to play in the home and in the community at large, and it\u2019s never too early to learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s it, guys! There\u2019s your ultimate list of age-appropriate chores. Grab a few of these, and start a chore chart for your crew! Running a household is difficult. It takes a lot of work, and everybody has to play their part for it to run with ease. Get the kiddos on board early. Create good habits, and every chance you get, make it fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more ideas on getting your kids to cooperate with chores, check out \u201c11 Ways to Make Chores Fun<\/a>!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve discussed, daily tasks are a great way to teach life skills. Take a look at \u201c24 Life Skills to Teach Kids (And Fun Ways to Teach Them<\/a>!)\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important that kids\u2019 chores are age-appropriate<\/a>. Preschoolers<\/a> can help pick up toys. Grade schoolers<\/a> can help with laundry and dishes, and teens<\/a> can take care of the lawn and wash cars.<\/p> <\/div> Even preschool children<\/a> can help with family chores. Keep chores age-appropriate<\/a> and child-specific, but the earlier you start, the easier it is on everyone.<\/p> <\/div> Teenagers should have chores<\/a> if for no other reason than to learn life skills. At 18, they\u2019ll soon be on their own, and the skills they learn by caring for the home and family will come in handy!<\/p> <\/div> When assigning age-appropriate chores<\/a>, include games and small incentives. If everyone joins in and you get the chores done quickly, take some time for a family adventure<\/a> as a reward!<\/p> <\/div> Doing age-appropriate chores<\/a> is important for kids. It helps with coordination and time management and teaches responsibility and life skills. Just make those chores fun<\/a>!<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Looking to get the whole family involved with household duties? Check out this ultimate list of age-appropriate chores!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":13784,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[286],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\n\n\nBenefits of Chores for Children<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Ultimate List of Age-Appropriate Chores<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Toddlers and Preschoolers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Pick up toys.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Match socks.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Pick up dirty clothes.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Get your own diaper.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Stock the snack drawer.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6. Wipe the baseboards.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7. Sort the whites.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
8. Pick up sticks.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
9. Help with cooking.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Grade School Children<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Wash the dishes.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Strip the bed sheets.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Dust the blinds.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Cook simple meals.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Put away clean clothes.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6. Rake leaves.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7. Fold laundry, and wash clothes.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
8. Clear and set the table.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
9. Feed pets.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
10. Vacuum.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
11. Sweep.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
12. Clean the bathroom.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
13. Dust.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
14. Clean their room.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
15. Unload groceries.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
16. Take out the trash.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
17. Shred papers.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
18. Organize closets.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Chores for Teenagers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Mow and weedeat.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Babysit younger siblings.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Power wash outside.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Clean the gutters.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Organize the garage.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6. Clean the pool.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7. Weed the flower beds.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
8. Take on refrigerator duty.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
9. Mop up.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
10. Clean the car.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
11. Burn brush.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
12. Run errands.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Making Chores Fun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Child Labor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nClosing Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n