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.
Once a child reaches a particular skill or age level, he can generally do the kitchen chores for kids in his age group and those for the age groups below.
Kitchen Chores for Kids Ages 2 and Under:
- Close cabinet doors and drawers.
- Turn on the dishwasher.
- Help set the table.
Ages 3 to 5:
Previous chores, plus:
- Place dirty dishes on the counter.
- Sponge down the play table.
- Help unload the dishwasher.
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.
- Take out trash and recycling and remove compostable material.
Kitchen Chores for Kids 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.
Ages 14 to 17:
Previous chores, plus:
- Prepare meals.
- Clean and disinfect the sink.
- Clean coffeemaker.
- Organize the pantry.
- Scrub or strip and wax floors.