Kids are usually capable of more than people think. Even toddlers can help out around the house. Teaching kids new tasks takes patience but helps them build confidence, keeps them busy, and, over time, can instill discipline and responsibility.
The work you put into the process now can pay off later—for both of you. After all, do you really want to match socks on a Saturday night? Probably not, but your six-year-old might think it’s a blast.
Chores for Kids May Seem Small But Teach Big Lessons
According to this 2019 study, the frequency at which kindergarteners did chores was tied to the way they viewed their lives, including their interpersonal relationships and school experiences. This was true regardless of the child’s gender, family income, or the education level of the parents or guardians.
But children can benefit from doing chores as early as age two. Here are some of them ranging from age 2 to 12-plus, inspired by yourmodernfamily.com:
Ages 2-3
- Pick up pillows from the floor
- Put toys away
- Help set the table
- Fold washcloths
- Dust baseboards
Children at this age can also put their books back on the bookshelf. Helping them do this by color—for instance, putting all the red-bound books on one shelf and all the green-bound books on another—teaches color, sorting, and organizing concepts, making it easier for them to find a favorite book later
Ages 4-5
- Make their bed
- Fix snacks (think ants on a log or sliced bananas)
- Clear the table
- Weed the garden
- Wipe down door knobs
Ages 6-7
- Empty the dishwasher
- Fold clothes and match socks
- Make a simple salad
- Sweep the floor
Ages 8-9
- Wash their laundry
- Walk the dog
- Put groceries away
- Make scrambled eggs
Ages 10-11
- Sweep the driveway
- Clean the toilets
- Bring the mail in
- Clean the kitchen
- Prepare a simple meal
Ages 12 and up
- Mow the lawn
- Iron clothes
- Cook a complete meal
- Watch younger siblings
- Help with basic home repairs
When It Comes to Kids and Chores, Nobody’s Perfect
Don’t expect perfection, especially when children are very young, mastering a new task, or learning to work one into their routine.
By the same token, don’t tell your kid he did a great job wiping down the kitchen counter and then scrub off that dried-on jelly yourself. Instead, point out areas for improvement in a positive, nonjudgmental way.
Say something like, “Hey, nice job cleaning the counter. There’s a little bit of jelly right there, so once you clean that up, you can play a video game. Nicely done!”
Chores can also teach children about consequences in ways that show simple cause and effect and therefore aren’t overly-punitive. For example: Your 12-year-old knows that mowing the lawn every Saturday is her responsibility. Sunday rolls around, the yard looks like a jungle, and you’re hosting a barbecue later. Your daughter is nowhere to be seen, so you mow the lawn.
Suddenly, she appears and asks you to drive her to her friend, Bree’s house. Your reply: “I wish I could, but you didn’t mow the lawn yesterday, so I had to do it. We have friends coming over for a cookout, so I just don’t have time. Maybe Bree’s mom can pick you up.”
Given the fact that your daughter is 12, she might try to argue. Don’t lose your cool, and don’t give in. It’s simply a matter of cause and effect.
How Doing Chores Helps Kids Develop Over Time
When all is said – and hopefully, done—doing chores helps kids master skills, which boosts confidence. Gradually becoming responsible for chores teaches accountability and shows kids that their contributions matter.
And you get dust-free baseboards and shiny door knobs.