car chores for kids by age

How Kids Can Help Clean the Family Ride

Car chores for kids are a natural. They do help muck up the family ride, after all. So why shouldn't they help clean it - as long as the chores are age appropriate?

Here's a list of which tasks kids can generally do by which age to care for and clean the family car. 

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

Of course, some of these chores need to be done each day, others once a week, and still others once a month or even less frequently. Use your best judgment for what gets done when. 

Car Chores for Kids Ages 2 and Under:

Kids can help with exterior and interior car cleaning with age-appropriate chores.

• Take the road toys he brought with him inside the house.

Ages 3 to 5:

The previous chore, plus:

• Take his backpack inside.

Ages 6 to 9:

The previous chores, plus:

• Pick up trash in the car and empty the bag

• Vacuum out the car, with help depending on the machine's height and weight

• Help wash the car

• Wipe up spills.

Ages 10 to 13:

The previous chores, plus:

• Wipe off the car's dashboard and upholstery

• Electronics patrol. Organize and return to cases all entertainment that’s been separated from its cover: CDs, DVDs, etc.
  

• Detail/dress tires.
  

Ages 14 to 17:

The previous chores, plus:

• Wash the car

• Wash the car's undercarriage each spring

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