Remarkably Helpful Kid Chores By Age

So you’re ready for you little one to start helping around the house? Or they’re expressing an interest in being more helpful. Whether your child is 3 or 8, if you’re new to assigning your child chores this is the post for you to find helpful kids chores by age.

According to the Child Development Institute, giving children chores not only makes them feel wanted wanted but also teaches important life skills. In the beginning you’ll start off doing the chores with them but over time it will ease your own workload having help from your children. Check out these productive chores for every age and stage.

2-3 Year Old Chores

Download my printable chore chart here.

• Put away toys away
• Put trash in garbage can
• Place clothes in hamper
• Dust
• Fold rags and dishcloths
• Put away books on shelves
• Help make the beds

This toddler/preschooler stage is so important. This is when your child wants to help and really insists on it. They want more mommy time and what better way to give it to them than incorporating them into your mundane tasks that would typically take your attention away!

While putting away their toys may prove to be more frustrating than helpful (because they want to play with every single one), other chores on this list are genuinely helpful. For example, putting their trash in the trash can and their clothes in the hamper means you tidy less. Less things to pick up means less clutter and more play time.

4-6 Years Helpful Kids Chores

• All previous age chores
• Make bed without supervision
• Clear dining table
• Clean crumbs with a hand-held vacuum
• Water plants
• Sweep with small broom
• Wash plastic dishes with supervision
• Help bring in light groceries
• Sort laundry into whites and colors before wash
• Match socks together

Crossing over from preschool to kindergarten and first grade takes them out of the toddler stage and into little kid. That means more responsibility and autonomy, which is the perfect time to be assigning helpful kids chores.

7-11 Years Chore List

• All previous age chores
• Sweep the floors
• Rake the yard
• Clean their own bedrooms, with minimal supervision
• Put away the groceries
• Load the dishwasher
• Vacuum
• Help a parent prepare dinner
• Make their own snacks/breakfast
• Scrub the table after meals
• Put away their own laundry
• Wet mop
• Empty indoor trash bins into the kitchen trash
• Fold laundry

12 Year Olds And Up Chores

• Wash the dishes or load the dishwasher without assistance
• Wash the family car
• Prepare easy meals without assistance
• Use the clothes washer and dryer
• Take the trash to the bins
• Take the trash bins to the curb
• Babysit younger siblings with parents at home

While you’re cleaning, don’t miss out on saving a free copy of our weekly cleaning schedule here. Print it or save to your device and check off as you go.