Children as young as two can begin learning how to be helpers around the house. I remember when my youngest was two and he would rinse beans before I put them on to cook. He didn't think of it as work; albeit, he played quite a while. Yet, the entire time his play was work.
Today, both my boys have chores gauged for their level of maturity and capability. I think it is important for parents to understand the need to account for both of these factors before assigning chores, as every child is different.
{As a side note, my boys do not use commercial chemical cleaners or any products considered dangerous to children. Make sure you research products before allowing your child to use them; and please don't leave your children unattended while they are working on chores.}
Ages 2-5
A young child in this age range is essentially Mommy's or Daddy's helper. Anything you ask them to do must be monitored well.
- washing beans or produce in the sink
- folding dish towels (don't expect them to be perfect)
- matching socks
- picking up toys
- sweeping small messes with hand broom (no glass!)
Ages 5-7
I love this age range of helpers most because they enjoy being a helper without being asked. One should still monitor this group in order for them to get a good grasp of chore fundamentals.
- carrying in groceries
- dusting
- cleaning windows
- pulling weeds
- cleaning up after pets
- emptying small trashcans
- making up bed
- picking up trash in car
- help making simple lunches
Ages 8-9
This age range has a big transition in chores as more responsibilities are learned and perfected.
- folding and hanging laundry
- feeding pets
- watering the garden
- unloading the dishwater
- vacuuming
- making lunches and simple dinners
- setting and clearing the table
- cleaning baseboards
Ages 10-12
My eldest son falls into this age range. He enjoys taking on the chores of a young man; it gives him a sense of accomplishment and a little bit of spending money. His favorite is mowing the yard, but he also enjoys cooking dinner, too.
- mowing the yard with supervision
- sweeping and mopping the floor
- cleaning the bathrooms
- organizing the patio
- washing own laundry
- detailing out car
- putting away groceries
- making dinners
- bathing and training pets