Many parents hold out on giving their young kids household chores, but kids as young as two or three are actually old enough to get involved. Your toddler may not be able to do her own laundry, but there’s plenty she CAN do. Here’s a list of age-appropriate tasks for all your kids, whatever their age.

Ages 2–3: Rookie

Kids this young can help out with smaller tasks like tidying up.

•   Putting pet food in bowl

•   Picking up toys

•   Arranging magazines

•   Putting dirty clothes in hamper

 

 

Ages 4–6: Junior Helper

After doing basic tasks, give them more responsibility with chores that test their concentration and diligence. Don’t expect perfection; just be happy they’re helping.

•   Making their beds

•   Wiping windows

•   Clearing the table after dinner

•   Cleaning their bedroom

•   Watering the plants

•   Helping pack lunch

 

 

 

Ages 7–9: Semi-Pro

By now, they’re ready to start helping out in the kitchen and garden, places you may have kept them away from for safety reasons. 

•   Pulling weeds

•   Raking leaves

•   Making breakfast (toast or cereal)

•  Helping prep dinner (peel vegetables with supervision, toss salads)

•  Washing dishes and loading the dishwasher

•   Putting away groceries

•   Sweeping

•   Sorting laundry

 

 

 

 

 

Ages 10–12: Expert

Develop a chart for the whole family, and rotate tasks to keep things fair.

•   Vacuuming carpets

•   Washing and walking the dog 

•   Making a simple lunch or dinner

•   Shoveling snow

•   Washing the car

•   Organizing their closets

•   Changing sheets

 

 

 

 

 

Ages 13–16: Seasoned Vet

Now that your kids are teens, they can handle bigger jobs.

•   Mowing the lawn

•   Wiping down bathrooms

•   Cleaning the kitchen after a meal

•  Organizing bookcases or a work space

•   Helping with morning routine

•   Babysitting younger siblings