Real-life examples of age-appropriate chores for children

Quick age-by-age examples of age-appropriate chores for children

Let’s start with what most parents are really looking for: clear examples of age-appropriate chores for children at different stages. Think of these as “starter packs” you can customize.

For very young kids, chores are really about building habits and confidence. By elementary school, examples include simple daily responsibilities. By the tween and teen years, the best examples look a lot like real-life skills: laundry, basic cooking, and managing their own stuff.

Below, you’ll find detailed examples of what kids can usually handle at different ages, plus ideas for how to track progress with chore charts so you’re not repeating yourself twenty times a day.

Toddler and preschool chores (ages 2–4): tiny helpers, tiny tasks

At this age, the goal isn’t “productivity” — it’s participation. You’re building the idea that everyone helps.

Realistic examples of age-appropriate chores for children ages 2–4 include things that are quick, visible, and easy to repeat:

• Putting toys in a bin when you say, “Let’s clean up.”
• Carrying their dirty clothes to a laundry basket.
• Wiping up small spills with a towel you hand them.
• Placing board books back on a low shelf.
• Throwing away trash like snack wrappers.
• Helping feed a pet by pouring pre-measured food into the bowl.

Notice the pattern: short, simple, and done alongside you. At this age, the best examples of chores are really guided routines. You’re still doing most of the work, but you give your child one clear job to “own.”

On a chore chart for toddlers, you might use pictures instead of words. For example: a toy bin icon for “put toys away,” or a t-shirt icon for “clothes in hamper.” The chart isn’t about perfection; it’s about giving them something to feel proud of checking off.

Early elementary (ages 5–7): building independence with simple routines

Once kids hit kindergarten and early grades, they can handle more responsibility, especially if you keep tasks consistent. At this stage, examples of age-appropriate chores for children usually focus on caring for their own space and contributing in small ways to shared spaces.

Real examples include:

• Making their bed (even if it’s a bit lumpy).
• Putting dirty dishes on the counter or into the dishwasher.
• Setting the table with napkins, forks, and spoons.
• Clearing their spot after meals.
• Watering plants with a small watering can.
• Matching clean socks from the laundry pile.
• Wiping the table after meals with a damp cloth.
• Putting school items (backpack, lunchbox) in a designated spot.

These are the years when chore charts and tracking progress really start to work. Kids this age love visible rewards: stickers, checkmarks, or a color-coded chart on the fridge. You might say, “When all your daily squares are checked, you earn 15 minutes of extra reading time with me,” or another small, consistent reward.

Research on child development shows that giving kids real responsibilities supports self-esteem and competence. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children benefit from predictable routines and shared family responsibilities as part of healthy development (healthychildren.org). Chores are one everyday way to build that.

Older elementary (ages 8–10): real examples of shared family jobs

By 8–10, kids can handle more complex, multi-step tasks, especially if you show them how first and stay nearby the first few times. At this age, the best examples of age-appropriate chores for children start to look like real help, not just practice.

Some strong examples include:

• Loading and unloading the dishwasher with supervision.
• Folding simple laundry like towels, pants, and T-shirts.
• Taking out small trash bags and replacing the liner.
• Sweeping hard floors or using a hand vacuum.
• Helping prepare simple snacks (spreading peanut butter, washing fruit, assembling sandwiches).
• Packing their own school lunch with a simple checklist.
• Helping sort recycling.
• Wiping bathroom counters and sinks after you’ve handled any cleaners.

At this stage, tracking progress with chore charts can shift from picture-based to written lists. Many families also move from paper charts to simple apps or shared digital lists. In 2024–2025, a lot of parents use chore apps with points or virtual “allowance” tracking. Whether you go digital or stay on paper, the important part is consistency: the chart should show exactly what’s expected and when.

One practical example: a weekly chart labeled “Morning,” “After school,” and “Evening,” with chores like “feed pet,” “put dishes in dishwasher,” and “lay out clothes for tomorrow.” Kids check off each box daily, and you review together at the end of the week.

Tweens (ages 11–13): examples of age-appropriate chores that build life skills

Tweens are capable of a lot more than we sometimes assume. The examples of age-appropriate chores for children in this age group should start to include skills they’ll need later: cooking basics, laundry, and managing their time.

Real-world examples include:

• Doing a full load of laundry from start to finish (with a reminder at first).
• Vacuuming or mopping assigned rooms.
• Cleaning their own bathroom sink, mirror, and countertop.
• Making simple meals (scrambled eggs, pasta, quesadillas, salads) with safety guidance.
• Taking out household trash and rolling bins to the curb.
• Helping with yard work like raking leaves or pulling weeds.
• Watching younger siblings briefly while you’re at home.
• Managing their own sports gear or activity bags.

This is also a good age to connect chores with financial literacy. For example, you might separate family responsibilities (everyone helps clean up after dinner) from extra paid tasks (washing the car, deep-cleaning the fridge). The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has guidance on teaching kids about money and earning (consumerfinance.gov), and chores can fit neatly into that conversation.

In your chore chart or app, you can list “non-negotiable” daily chores and optional bonus tasks. This gives tweens a sense of control: they can choose to take on more work for extra privileges or pay.

Teens (ages 14–18): examples of chores that prepare kids for adulthood

By the teen years, the best examples of age-appropriate chores for children look almost identical to adult responsibilities. You’re not just keeping the house running; you’re teaching them how to run their own future home.

Examples include:

• Planning and cooking a simple family meal once a week.
• Doing their own laundry regularly without reminders.
• Deep-cleaning a bathroom (with safe use of cleaners).
• Mowing the lawn or shoveling snow, if appropriate.
• Running short errands (picking up groceries with a list, returning library books) if transportation allows.
• Managing their own schedule: homework, activities, and part-time jobs.
• Helping with younger siblings’ routines, like bedtime or homework support.
• Taking responsibility for a larger household zone, such as the living room or kitchen floors.

For teens, tracking progress often shifts from visual charts to simple agreements. You might use a shared digital note, a family calendar, or a weekly check-in instead of a sticker chart. The principle stays the same: clear expectations, visible follow-through, and consistent consequences if chores are ignored.

When you show teens that their contributions matter to the whole household, you’re also reinforcing what many educators and psychologists emphasize: responsibility, autonomy, and contribution are linked to better long-term outcomes in adulthood (Harvard Graduate School of Education).

How to match chores to your child: using examples without copying them

Looking at examples of age-appropriate chores for children is helpful, but no list fits every family perfectly. Some 6-year-olds can handle more than some 9-year-olds; some teens have packed schedules, others have more time.

A simple way to personalize the examples:

• Start with one or two chores your child is almost able to do.
• Show them step-by-step, then practice together.
• Add that chore to the chart as their official job.
• Once it’s solid, add another.

For instance, if your 7-year-old is already putting dishes on the counter, the next step might be learning how to safely load the dishwasher. If your 12-year-old can make a sandwich, maybe they take over packing their lunch three days a week.

Use the examples in this article as a guide, not a rigid rulebook. If a chore feels way too hard or leads to constant meltdowns, scale it back. If it’s too easy, level up.

Tracking progress: turning examples into a working chore system

Seeing examples of age-appropriate chores for children is one thing; making them actually happen is another. This is where tracking progress comes in.

A few practical ideas:

• Visual charts for younger kids: Use simple grids with their name, days of the week, and 3–5 chores. Kids check off boxes with markers or stickers.
• Checklists for older kids: A weekly list that includes both daily chores (like “feed dog”) and one-time tasks (like “vacuum stairs”).
• Digital tools for tweens and teens: Shared notes, calendar reminders, or chore apps that award points or track allowance.

When you track chores, you’re not just monitoring; you’re giving your child a way to see their own progress. This matters more than most of us realize. Research on behavior and routines shows that consistent structure and feedback help kids develop self-discipline and responsibility (CDC parenting resources).

You can also build in small rewards that match your family values: extra screen time, choosing a family movie, a later bedtime on weekends, or saving up points for something bigger. The rewards don’t have to be huge; they just need to be predictable and tied to following through.

FAQ: Common questions about chore ideas and examples

Q: What are some simple examples of chores for a 5-year-old?
For a typical 5-year-old, a good example of a daily chore list might include making their bed, putting dirty clothes in the hamper, clearing their plate after meals, and helping set the table. These examples of chores are short, repeatable, and build good habits.

Q: How many chores should kids have each day?
There’s no single correct number. Younger kids might have 2–3 small chores, while older kids and teens can handle more. A helpful rule of thumb: enough that they’re contributing meaningfully, but not so many that homework, sleep, or play are squeezed out.

Q: Is it okay to pay kids for chores?
Many families do. Some parents separate unpaid “family chores” (like cleaning up after dinner) from paid “extra chores” (like washing the car). The key is to be clear about what’s expected no matter what, and what is optional and tied to money.

Q: My child refuses chores. What’s one example of a change that can help?
One effective change is to tie chores directly to privileges. For example, “When your daily chores are checked off, then you can have screen time.” Pair that with a visible chart so your child sees exactly what’s missing.

Q: How do I know if a chore is safe for my child’s age?
Use common sense and adjust for your child. Avoid harsh chemicals and sharp tools for younger kids. For guidance on child safety and development stages, you can look at resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics on healthychildren.org and the CDC’s parenting tips at cdc.gov.

Final thoughts: use examples, then trust yourself

Seeing lots of examples of age-appropriate chores for children can give you a strong starting point, but you’re the expert on your child. Use these examples of chores as a menu, test what works, and don’t be afraid to adjust.

If you focus on three things — clear expectations, consistent follow-through, and simple ways to track progress — chores can shift from constant arguments to quiet routines. And over time, those little daily jobs turn into something much bigger: kids who know how to take care of themselves and the people around them.