Best Age Appropriate Chores For Kids

Instilling Responsibility, One Chore at a Time

Let’s start with this: there’s a difference between a chore and a job—yes, even for kids!

As adults, we go to work to earn a paycheck—that’s our job. But at home, we have chores to maintain our space and contribute to the household. The same goes for children. By giving them age-appropriate chores and responsibilities early on, we help instill work ethic, respect, and a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime.

Jobs vs. Chores in the Gonzales Household

At our house, we use a poster to list the “jobs” that kids can do to earn money. These are above-and-beyond tasks—things like raking leaves, mowing the lawn, or wiping down baseboards (perfect height for little ones, so we adults don’t throw out our backs!).

Chores, on the other hand, are everyday expectations—things like making the bed, brushing teeth, or keeping their rooms clean. These are not paid; they are simply part of learning routines and responsibility. No screen time or playtime until these are done!

🧒 Age-Appropriate Chores by Age Group

✅ Ages 1-2: Start with the Basics

• Pick up toys and books

• Help place dirty laundry in the hamper
  Praise is everything at this stage!

✅ Ages 3-4: Tiny Helpers

• Make the bed (with help)

• Match socks

• Wipe down low surfaces or baseboards
  Patience is key—they’re learning, not perfecting!

✅ Ages 5-6: More Independence

• Clean up their own room

• Collect small trash bins from around the house

• Help unload the dishwasher (silverware only)

• Set the table

✅ Ages 7-8: Building Consistency

• Clean the bathroom with supervision

• Help with dusting

• Unload the full dishwasher

• Fold and put away laundry

• Help with meal prep or setting the table

✅ Ages 9-10: Confidence Growing

• All of the above plus:

• Vacuuming and sweeping

• Help cook a meal one night a week

• Organize drawers or shelves
  Great time for teaching measurement, nutrition, and life skills!

✅ Ages 11-13: Real-Life Training

• Do their own laundry (wash, dry, fold, and put away)

• Cook dinner once a week

• Help plan grocery lists

• Take on a leadership role in family chore

🙋♀️ Mom Tip: Let the Chores Lead the Screen Time

When kids ask, “Can I go on my iPad?” or “Can I go play?”—you just have to ask one question:
“Did you finish your chores?”
It’s amazing how fast those tasks get done!

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