If you’ve been thinking: I need some ideas of chores for kids, you’re in the right place.
As a mom, you know how difficult it can be to keep the house organized and clean with kids. Kids are unorganized, on the move, and love to make messes.
One of the best ways to keep the house clean is to create chores for kids and get them involved with the cleaning schedule.
Even very small children can be included in cleaning and putting things away. You can begin training them when they’re very little to be mindful of their toys and to put away something before getting something new out. And Spring cleaning is a great time to start!
In this post, I’ll break down age-appropriate chores and cleaning tasks by age group, and provide an example of a kids chore checklist (that you can download for free!).
Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids
Teaching your kids to help around the house allows them to learn responsibility and lets them know that they are part of the community of your home.
They’re not only capable of helping out, but it also teaches them lifelong skills, like contributing to a group and thinking about the needs of others. It also helps them develop a work ethic.
Here are some chores that your kids can help with based on your child’s age and ability. This is not an extensive list but a sampling of things that children might be able to help with.
Children Ages 2-3
When your children are very small, the primary goal is to teach them the idea of helping. You’re obviously not relying on them to clean the whole house, but they can do their part. You will spend a lot more time guiding them during this stage, but the long-term payoff is big.
Help them to start learning about organizing with chores such as these:
● Pick up toys and put them in bins or designated areas
● Put laundry in the hamper
● Wipe up spills
● Help load washer and dryer
● Wipe walls and baseboards with a wet cloth
(they’ll probably think this is fun)
Children Ages 4-5
Children of this age will still need more hands-on guidance than they will when they’re bigger. They can work more independently than they could at a younger age, but you’ll still want to help guide them.
Try these tasks:
● Put away belongings
● Help with laundry
● Carry and put away groceries
● Set the table
● Help clear the table
Children Ages 6-8
You’ll probably be amazed at what your kids can do at this age. Children at this age are growing so rapidly emotionally, physically, and mentally. Of course, they’re capable of all the things mentioned above, plus a lot more.
Here are some things they’re probably able to help with at this age:
● Help care for pets
● Fold and put away laundry
● Vacuum
● Match socks
● Wipe down counters and sinks
Children Ages 9-12
Again, your kids are developing like crazy at this age and becoming more and more independent.
They can help with so many things including:
● Help wash the car
● Learn to wash dishes or load and unload the
dishwasher
● Rake leaves
● Learn to wash laundry/switch loads
● Take care of pets
Children (Young Adults) Ages 13-18
Again, you may be surprised by how much children this age are capable of. As they age, they should be able to contribute in many of the same ways that adults would.
Here are some ideas of things they can do in this age range:
● Do the laundry
● Wash the dishes
● Take out the trash
● Help prepare meals
● Clean windows
● Clean bathrooms
● Mop the floor
● Sweep the floor
● Help with many outdoor chores
If you didn’t start teaching your kids to help out when they were little, you haven’t missed the boat. You can begin teaching your kids to help out at any age!
Tip: If you’d like to add your child’s chores and responsibilities to your daily routine, consider using a daily planner to add the chores as daily tasks.
Another important note — avoid feeling discouraged if your kids don’t seem capable of doing some of the things on this list at any particular age.
This is a basic guideline and does not account for many variables. Kids develop differently and not all are able to do the same things at the same age.
The main goal is to have them helping in the ways that they can.
Don't forget to share this post!
Crystal Tharp
Crystal is the owner of The Organized Home, LLC and producer of The Home Approach® program; empowering moms to create an organized home that they love, so they can thrive at home. With over ten years of combined experience working in the Professional Organizing industry and coaching industry, she combines her expertise in decluttering, organizing, and home management with her passion for helping moms to bring out the best in themselves.
While coaching moms is her God-given calling, she also loves being a mom to her young children (ages 4, 6 and 8), date nights with her husband, and family outings on the weekends. Above all, she is most passionate about following Jesus and inspiring others to do the same.
