Kitchen Chores For Kids By Age

Child's hands washing plate in kitchen sink.Kids age 6 and up can rinse dishes and load the dishwasher.

Kitchen chores for kids by age. At what age can a child set and clear the table? When can a kid take out the garbage? Kitchen patrol isn't anyone's favorite chore, but it beats cleaning the bathroom hands-down. 

You could always give your kids the option to scrub the toilet if they're not in the mood to rinse the dishes and put them in the dishwasher.

Once a child reaches a particular skill level or age, he can generally do the kitchen chores for kids at that age and those for the age groups below.

Kitchen Chores for Kids by Age 2 and Under:

  • Close cabinet doors and drawers.
  • Turn on the dishwasher.
  • Help set the table.

Kitchen Chores for Kids by Age 3 to 5:

Previous chores, plus:

  • Place dirty dishes on the counter.
  • Sponge down the play table.
  • Help unload the dishwasher.

kitchen Chores For Kids by Age 6 to 9:

Previous chores, plus:

  • Help make breakfast.
  • Do simple cooking tasks such as rinsing vegetables.
  • Set and clear the table.
  • Put dishes into the dishwasher.
  • Wipe up spills on countertops and on the kitchen table.
  • Wipe the table, chairs, high chair, counters, and cooktop or range.
  • Wipe down the interior of the microwave.
  • Sweep or vacuum the floor, then damp-mop any spills.
  • Bring groceries in from the car.
  • Help put away groceries.
  • Empty and wipe wastebaskets clean, using disinfecting wipes.

Kitchen Chores for Kids by Age 10 to 13:

Young girl drying dinner plate.

Previous chores, plus:

  • Pour beverages for meals.
  • Help hand-wash dishes.
  • Unload the dishwasher.
  • Disinfect countertops.
  • Surface clean the fridge. (This would include a lesson on reading package expiration dates and removing expired food from the interior.)

Age 14 to 17:

Previous chores, plus:

  • Prepare meals.
  • Clean and disinfect the sink.
  • Organize the pantry.
  • Scrub or strip and wax floors.