Household Chores for Children of Any Age

Many children look for the opportunity to contribute to their family and home by independently completing needed tasks. This ability to contribute has an enormous benefit on a child’s self-worth.

Here are some of the tasks we recommend:

18 months to 3 years old

Simple food prep using a wavy chopper
Putting dirty clothes in a hamper or basket
Throwing away trash
Window and mirror washing with a spray bottle(water only) and squeegee
Putting their toys away
Stacking books on a shelf
Folding wash clothes
Setting the table
Dusting low shelves
Pack their lunch

Ages 3-6

Feed family pets
Wipe up spills
Separate the recycling
Make their bed
Prepare simple snacks and drinks
Straighten their bedroom
Water houseplants
Sort clean silverware and put away
Separate colors for laundry
Use a hand-held vacuum
Clear the table
Help dry and put away dishes
Clean doorknobs

Ages 6-9

Gather trash and recycling
Fold towels
Dust mop floors
Hang/fold clothes
Empty dishwasher
Wipe off table
Bake cookies by following a recipe
Match clean socks
Weed garden
Load dishwasher
Spray off patio
Rake leaves
Peel potatoes or carrots
Make a salad
Help make a grocery list
Replace toilet paper roll
Change lightbulbs
Run the washing machine
Dust furniture
Put groceries away
Scramble eggs

Ages 9-12

Clean bathrooms
Vacuum rugs and carpets
Clean countertops
Clean microwave
Deep clean kitchen
Plan and prepare a simple meal
Mow lawn
Bring in the mail
Do simple mending (replace a button, repair a hem)
Sweep out the garage or basement
Clean out the car interior
Wash car
Water the garden or outdoor plants

Ages 12 and up

Mop floors
Change overhead lights
Trim hedges
Paint walls
Shop for groceries with a list
Plan and cook a complete meal
Bake bread or cake
Do simple home repairs
Wash windows with a cleaning solution
Iron clothes
Watch younger siblings

Hints to make these tasks as successful as possible:

Prepare the environment
- Gather appropriately sized tools for the child’s age
- Put items in an easy-to-reach location
- Place everything needed for the task in one basket or tray
- Make sure containers are easy to open and close
Remember it is a process
- Not every chore your child completes will be done the way you would do it!
- Some things may need to be touched up later
Everything has a place
- This will make straightening easier for everyone
- If your child needs assistance, you can help them map it out
Breakdown large tasks into smaller pieces so it feels manageable