Age Appropriate Chore Chart
The following is a compilation of many suggested chore charts. Please take into consideration the abilities of your child, and that each child's skills vary. When thinking about chores you need to think about "What will they need to take care of when they no longer live in my house?" Then work back to what age they are now. Including children in all chores exposes them to the system and reinforces what they will eventually need to do for themselves. You want to properly support your child while they are learning individual chores and slowly allow them to take full ownership of the chore.
An example - At 6 years old my daughter loved to do laundry. She would sort the clothes and load the washing machine. She would watch me fill the measuring cups for the detergent and softner, but could not pour them herself. She didn't have the strength to pour the bottles. There was an emblem on the face of the machine and she would press the emblem to start the wash. In reality I would push the start button because I could reach it and she couldn't. Though Alyssa knew the skills for doing laundry there were parts she could not do because of height or strength. I supported her in those until she was able to do them. She still can't reach the start button.
Chores reinforce academic skills and executive functioning skills. Children learn measurements and problem solving. They learn how to plan out a task for completion. When involved in the process and taught the value of the chore they have a sense of accomplishment when the chore is completed. When they see the whole family involved in chores they feel like contributing members of the household.
An example - At 6 years old my daughter loved to do laundry. She would sort the clothes and load the washing machine. She would watch me fill the measuring cups for the detergent and softner, but could not pour them herself. She didn't have the strength to pour the bottles. There was an emblem on the face of the machine and she would press the emblem to start the wash. In reality I would push the start button because I could reach it and she couldn't. Though Alyssa knew the skills for doing laundry there were parts she could not do because of height or strength. I supported her in those until she was able to do them. She still can't reach the start button.
Chores reinforce academic skills and executive functioning skills. Children learn measurements and problem solving. They learn how to plan out a task for completion. When involved in the process and taught the value of the chore they have a sense of accomplishment when the chore is completed. When they see the whole family involved in chores they feel like contributing members of the household.
Ages 2 -3 Years Old* Pick up / put away toys
* Dust * Help with sweeping (hold the dust pan) * Put clothes in the hamper * Help move clothes from the washer to dryer * Help sort laundry * Wipe base boards and cabinet fronts Age 4-5 Years Old* All Previous Chores
* Put silverware and plastic ware away from dishwasher * Help make the bed * Wipe table * Take out recycling * Set table * Clean windows * Wipe bathroom sinks * Match Socks * Fold Towels * Water plants * Feed pets 6-8 Years Old* All Previous Chores
* Load the dishwasher * Sweep the floor * Mop the floor * Make the bed * Wipe counter tops * Take out trash * Clear table * Load dishwasher * Weed * Help prepare meals * Get mail * Fold Laundry * Rake leaves 9-11 Years Old* All Previous Chores
* Cook simple meals * Plan and help make meals * Hand wash dishes * Clean toilets * Clean bathtubs * Take out trash * Hang laundry * Clean microwave * Take garbage and recycling to the curb. |
Middle School* All Previous Chores
* Plan and make meals * Clean out fridge / freezer * Mow yard * Help younger siblings with chores High School* All Previous Chores
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