What Are The
Best Chores For Kids?

The best chores for kids are those that are doable by them. They should have elements that focus on the positive aspects of chores, including building self-esteem and contributing to the family (for more positives, click here).

Having age appropriate chores means that you can't give a 5 year-old the chore of mowing the lawn. Or that your preteen just picks up his toys. You need to match the chores to the kids. Here are some suggestions by age to get you started.

In the beginning: Ages 2-3
Surprise! Even kids this young can do basic tasks to help around the house. Focus on making these things that are likely part of everyday life instead of just being weekly extra tasks. Options for kids this age:

• Pick up and put away toys.
• Dressing themselves and putting dirty clothes in hamper.
• Help clean up spills.
• Dust - best done with a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer duster.

• Any of the chores for the younger ages.
• Cleaning their rooms.
• Making their beds.
• Setting and clearing the table.
• Empty trash around the house.
• Water outside plants and garden.

Ready for more: Ages 7-9
With some basic chore skills under their belts plus the advantage of being a few years older, kids in this group are ready for more responsibility. Suggestions for the best chores for kids this age:

• Any of the chores for the younger ages.
• Sort laundry for washing.
• Sweep floors.
• Weed the garden or flower beds.
• Help put away groceries.
• Pour own cereal and make sandwiches.

Getting into the tweens: Ages 10 and older
This is where age appropriate chores can make a real difference in how smoothly (or not) the house can run. The chores that kids in this age group can do start to get more and more into those things that you might even pay others to do. Even if you don't choose to pay for the chores to be done at your house, the kids might consider doing them for neighbors and being paid by them. Ideas for kids this age:

• Any of the chores for the younger ages.
• Doing and folding laundry.
• Washing windows.
• Cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, including washing the floors.
• Mowing the lawn.

Now that you have an idea of the best chores for kids at all ages, it's time to put a plan into place. Kids do well with visual reminders - both for what is expected and what has been accomplished.

Check out our chore charts to get some ideas for your kids. And, if you have a teen where a chore chart doesn't seem to quite fit anymore, be sure to flip on over to the section on teen chores and the page on teen chore contracts. Or for a great reference for all ages (including chore charts), check out this chore guide.