As parents, we all want to raise self-sufficient and responsible children. However, finding the right way to achieve that can be a struggle. A simple solution to this problem is chores for children!

Letting your children do chores around the house has many benefits. On one hand, sharing chores will be a big help for you. On the other hand, it will teach them valuable life skills and help them to develop a sense of accomplishment.

However, there’s a catch to let your children do the chores. You need to assign them age-appropriate chores to reap all the benefits. I mean, making a 1-year-old prepare meals isn’t the right choice, as it isn’t age-appropriate at all.

So, today we will look at the best age-appropriate chore list for your child that is easy, fun, & engaging!

What’s the Minimum Age for Children to Start Doing Chores?

It can vary from one child to another as it depends on the child’s development & maturity level. By the age of 2, a child is able to perform simple tasks such as putting their toys away or filling the pet’s food dish.

So the answer to the question is this: “A child as young as 2 years old can start doing chores!”

As your child grows up, they will be able to handle a little more complex tasks such as folding laundry or watering flowers, among other things that will leverage their sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

Best Age-Appropriate Chore List for Your Child

Now, let’s take a look at chores for children based on age:

Chores for Toddlers (2-3 years old)

Toddlers are full of energy and absolutely love to try new things. And the best part is that even doing chores sounds like a fun and recreational activity for them!

There would be no better time than now to let your little one help you out. You would be surprised to know that toddlers love to help out and are able to easily handle chores that require a few steps.

Here’s a list of age-appropriate chores for children (2-3 years old):

• Fill the pet’s dish with food/water.
• Arrange books on the shelves.
• Dust and wipe.
• Take clothes to the laundry room.
• Put the toys away.

Chores for Preschoolers (4-5 years old)

In this age group, children tend to copy everything done by adults. So in a sense, you can even call them “little copycats”!

And the best part is that preschoolers can do slightly more complex chores than toddlers. In addition, the little ones who are 4-5 years old will also not need the same level of eagle-eye supervision as the toddlers.

Here’s a list of age-appropriate chores for children (4-5 years old):

• Make the bed.
• Water the plants and flowers.
• Dust the appliances & furniture.
• Sorting the laundry based on colors.
• Feed a pet on time.
• Clear the table after a meal.
• Pull out weeds.
• Assist an adult or older sibling in setting the table.
• Wash plastic dishes (avoid ceramic dishes as they are heavy & will likely break).
• Bring in newspapers, mail, and flyers.

A preschooler can do all of these chores and the ones mentioned above!

Chores for Primary Schoolers (6-9 years old)

In this age bracket, children are able to do even more complex tasks and handle more responsibilities. Furthermore, they will also need less supervision which means you can finally catch your breath!

However, a child who’s 6-9 years old may not have the same enthusiasm for doing chores as a toddler or a preschooler. But you can still manage to get them chores by being creative!

In fact, some primary schoolers even show rebellious behavior when asked to do chores. In this situation, you shouldn’t punish the child for showing resistance. In fact, showing resistance at this age is completely normal.

All you need is to be a little creative, and they will be doing chores with the same energy and enthusiasm as a toddler or a preschooler.

To provide some motivation for doing chores, you can use positive parenting techniques or reward them with allowance and treats.

Here’s a list of age-appropriate chores for children (6-9 years old):

• Load/empty the dishwasher with assistance.
• Put the trash in the dustbin.
• Take out the garbage.
• Fold the laundry.
• Clean their bedroom (with little to no supervision).
• Sweep the floor.
• Use the vacuum and mop.

Chores for Middle Schoolers (10-13 years old)

Preteens (10-13 years old) are able to perform a lot of tasks with no supervision & can even be held responsible.

However, it is best to let the children know about your expectations. Trying to throw a lot of chores on them could lead to rebellious behavior. In fact, they could even outright refuse to do chores!

That’s why it is best to strike a balance and only assign chores they can comfortably handle.

Here’s a list of age-appropriate chores for children (10-13 years old):

• Clean the bathroom.
• Prepare meals on their own (It’s best to stick with meals that are easy to make).
• Use the washer and dryer machines.
• Assist an adult in washing the car.
• Load/empty the dishwasher with no assistance.
• Take the trash out of the home.
• Babysit younger siblings with adult supervision.

Chores for Teenagers (14+ years old)

A teenager is able to handle pretty much all the household chores with relative ease! However, you must also consider the fact that teenagers usually have a restricted schedule as they have so many things to do (going to school, doing homework, playing sports, interacting with friends, etc.)

So when you assign them chores, make sure that it sits well with their schedule & doesn’t overwhelm them.

Here’s a list of age-appropriate chores for teenagers (14+ years old):

• Do the laundry on their own.
• Mow the lawn.
• Take responsibility for a pet without assistance.
• Clean the toilet, bathroom, and shower.
• Clean the furniture.
• Wash the windows.
• Clean the kitchen (including the cabinets, furniture, and appliances).
• Iron clothes (their own and all of the family).
• Babysit children without supervision (for a limited time).

It Is Never Too Early To Perform Age-Appropriate Chores!

As the children grow, the complexity of chores they can do also go up as well. But, it is important that you assign age-appropriate chores to children from a young age.

Trying to force teenagers to do chores all of a sudden when they have never done so before will likely backfire! That’s why the best way to make your children responsible and self-sufficient is to make them do chores right from the start!