Having your kids complete household chores benefits everyone in the family. Chores teach kids responsibility, independence, and basic skills. When children leave home, they’ll be better prepared for living on their own. 

Plus, when everyone helps out around the house, there are fewer chores for one person to do on their own! Give parents, other adult family members, and nannies a break by assigning children age-appropriate chores. Whether you’re a nanny in Boston or a family looking to teach your kiddos how to help out around the house, here are some ideas for chores by age group.

Toddlers

Once your toddler has begun moving around more, you may notice they’re eager to explore and make sense of their surroundings. They’re also more independent and will begin imitating others’ behavior. At around , toddlers can follow directions with two or three steps. This is a perfect time to begin giving toddlers chores that are in line with their growing abilities.

Give toddlers chores such as:

• Pick up toys, books, and games

• Help make the bed

• Put dirty clothes in hamper

• Feed pets

• Dust

• Put away miscellaneous items

Preschoolers

Preschoolers may be more dexterous and coordinated at this stage. They’re typically able to dress and undress themselves, ride tricycles, play more complex games, and more. These developmental milestones at are exciting; they’re ready to experience a new environment like preschool. It also means they’re ready to handle new chores around the home.

Assign any of the previous chores, plus:

• Clear and set the table

• Pull weeds

• Water plants

• Make the bed

• Empty small trash cans

• Carry and put away groceries

Ages 6 to 9

Young children yearn for more independence and understanding at this stage in their life. They’re rapidly developing mental and physical skills. Their emotions and social skills may change, too. Teaching responsibility, respect for others, and achieving goals is important for kids around . 

Assign any of the previous chores, plus:

• Help bake or cook meals

• Care for pets

• Sort and put away laundry

• Sweep, vacuum, or mop floors

• Load and unload the dishwasher

Ages 10 to 13

Kids at this age are often much more independent and more aware of themselves at . They may also face a lot of pressure from their peers and at school, especially if they’re preparing for middle school. Continue to build their sense of responsibility and following rules by giving them the appropriate chores.

Assign any of the previous chores, plus:

• Wash the car

• Clean the bathroom and/or kitchen

• Take out the garbage

• Prepare meals

• Watch younger siblings  

Tweens and teens

Tweens and teens from experience many physical, emotional, and mental changes. It's important to be clear about expectations and goals regarding chores, but also respect your tween or teen’s input and busy schedule. Pick chores that will teach them skills they’ll need in college and beyond.

Assign any of the previous chores, plus:

• Do laundry on their own

• Shop for groceries

• Cook a simple meal

• Use, clean, or maintain household appliances (like cleaning the fridge or vacuum)

Tips for assigning chores

• Age shouldn’t be the only factor when doling out chores. Consider physical ability, maturity level, and interest, too.

• Avoid focusing on perfection. No one is perfect! If you insist on perfection from your kids, they may start to resent doing their chores.

• Don’t do chores for them. If your child doesn’t complete their chores or does them incorrectly, don’t jump in and take them on yourself. That negates the entire idea of assigning them chores.

• Give praise. Praise your kids when you see them completing chores. You want to encourage them so they build healthy chore habits.

• Make a chart. Use a whiteboard, a sticker chart, a calendar, or whatever you like. Some kind of chart can help kids keep track of their chores and successes.

Completing age-appropriate chores teaches children essential life skills, hones independence, and teaches responsibility. Teach your kids how to do each chore specifically, be consistent with tasks and praise, avoid micromanaging, and ease up on expecting perfection. Once kids realize that they can do their chores — and that they’ve done a good job — they’re more likely to stick to their routine.

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