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 of scrubbing the toilet if they're not in the mood to rinse dishes and put them in the dishwasher.

This quick guide will help you divvy up the KP chores, fairly by age. 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.

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. 

Kitchen Chores for Kids Ages 2 and Under:

• Close cabinet doors and drawers.

• Turn on the dishwasher.

• Help set the table.

Chores for Kids Ages 3 to 5:

Previous chores, plus:

• Place dirty dishes on the counter.

• Sponge down the play table.

• Help unload the dishwasher.

Chores for Kids Ages 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 interior of the microwave.

• Sweep or vacuum the floor and damp mop any spills.

• Bring groceries in from the car.

• Help put away groceries.

• Empty and wipe wastebaskets clean, using disinfecting wipes.

• Take out trash and recycling and remove compostable material. 

Chores for Kids Ages 10 to 13:

Previous chores, plus:

• Pour beverages for meals.

• Help hand-wash dishes.

• Make lunch for school.

• 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.)

• Mop floor and dry- or damp mop wood floors.

• Clean windows.

Chores for Kids Ages 14 to 17:

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