If there’s one thing that I’ve struggled with as a parent, it’s setting reasonable chores for my boys.
I’m not a fan of cleaning so it’s taken me years just to be able to set a reasonable schedule for myself, never mind monitoring anybody else!
But, at the same time, I know my boys are old enough to be helping out. I’m just not sure how to get started.
Luckily, I’ve found some info to help me, and any other parent that’s wondered what chores are appropriate for their kids. Check it out and see what cleaning jobs your children can tackle!
Ages 2-3
- Assist in making their bed
- Pick up toys when playtime is over
- Bring dirty clothes to laundry hamper
- Neatly pile books and/or magazines
Ages 4-5
- Fill pet’s water/food bowls (with supervision)
- Water plants
- Clear the dinner table
- Use hand-held vacuum for small messes, such as picking up crumbs
Ages 6-7
- Keep the bathroom tidy
- Sort laundry (try starting with just matching clean socks!)
- Empty dishwasher + put dishes away
- Choose outfit and get ready for each day independently
Ages 8-9
- Put away groceries
- Bring in mail from mailbox
- Assist in meal preparation (peeling potatoes, preparing salad, etc)
- Clean their room independently
Ages 10-11
- Responsible for exercising pets once each day
- Wash dishes
- Vacuum carpeted areas
- Learn to use washer and dryer
Ages 12 and up
- Wash family car (with supervision)
- Empty indoor trashcans, bring trash outside each week
- Babysit younger siblings
- Learn to use washer and dryer
Now that I have the cleaning tips I need, it’s time for me to set some regular chores for my boys and get them involved in the process of keeping the house clean.
Use these guidelines to set some chores for your kids as well, and enjoy having a little help keeping your house clean!
I will be keeping this in mind for when I have kids!
I love this, gave my some good ideas for my 5 year old!
VERY HELPFUL
I am really impressed with this age-appropriate chore list. I think it is wonderful to start children when they are young and are anxious to help. This will get them into a habit of helping and improve their competency and self worth. Wonderful post!
I need to get my kids on a chore chart. It would be so helpful.
My girls are 9 and capable of the chores listed.
That’s a good guide. I don’t have a chore chart but my son knows what his responsibilities are. He still has to be reminded sometimes though.
It’s really important to teach your kids to help out around the house. Teaches them responsibility and independence
I love chart, both m daughters have their own choirs.
My kids enjoy doing chores around the house. I want them to learn to do everything early so they never have to depend on anyone. This is a great chart, I will print it off and add a sticker system to it for my children.