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.

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.

  • Empty and wipe wastebaskets clean, using disinfecting wipes.

Kitchen Chores for Kids 10 to 13:

Previous chores, plus:

Young girl drying dinner plate.Unloading the dishwasher is a suitable chore for kids age 2 and up.
  • 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.)

Ages 14 to 17:

Previous chores, plus:

  • Prepare meals.
  • Clean and disinfect the sink.
  • Organize the pantry.

  • Scrub or strip and wax floors.




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