Daily Chores for Kids by Age

Daily Chores for Kids By Age.

How much can you reasonably expect a child, given his or her age, to help out with daily?

Within each room category, I've listed chores appropriate for each age group.

The age recommendations are just that, recommendations.

Your tidy 11-year-old who has been cleaning his room since age 2 can probably tackle some of the chores listed for teenagers if safety isn't an issue.

Conversely, if you've been the maid for your 13-year-old since she was born, you might have to start her off with some of the simpler chores recommended for younger children.

Once a child reaches a certain skill or age level, he can generally do the chores for his age group and those for the age groups below.

Ages 2 and under:

• Get diaper.

• Put toys in bins or drawers.

• Put dirty clothes in hamper (if the top is low enough).

• Help pick up stray books and magazines.
• Help set the table.

• Hang up towel (on hook).
  

Ages 3 to 5:

Previous chores (except for the diaper!), plus:

• Pull comforter up over bed.

• Put toys and games (and all their pieces) in the proper boxes or bins.

• Place dirty dishes on the kitchen counter.

• Help unload the dishwasher.

• Fill the pet's water dish.

• Take backpack from the car into the house.

Ages 6 to 9:

Previous chores, plus:

• Make the bed.

• Hang up towels.

• Decide which clothes are dirty and which can be re-worn.

• Feed pets.

• Exercise pets.

• Clean pets' bowls and cages.

• Help make breakfast.

• Set and clear the table.

• Do simple cooking tasks such as rinsing vegetables.

• Take out trash and recycling, and remove compostable material.

• Pick up trash in car and empty car trash bag.
  

Ages 10 to 13:

Previous chores, plus:

• Pour beverages for meals.

• Help hand-wash dishes.

• Make lunch for school.

• Unload the dishwasher.

• Disinfect kitchen and bathroom counter tops.
  

Ages 14 to 17:

Previous chores, plus:

• Prepare meals.

• Clean coffeemaker.

• Wash car.

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About the Author

Tara Aronson is a native Californian. Having grown up in San Diego, she studied journalism and Spanish to pursue a career in newspaper writing. Tara, whose three children - Chris, Lyndsay, and Payne - are the light of her life, now lives and writes in Los Angeles. She also regularly appears on television news programs throughout the U.S.