Chores for Children :: Ages 2 to 12



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

These chores worked well in our household for these age ranges. I am still adding new chores as the boys' age and skill level increase. If you have chores for older children, or some I haven't mentioned, please feel free to share.