Last Updated on 06/09/2024 by Nell Marie
Implementing a “Chores by Age” system is a fantastic way to help kids learn responsibility and valuable life skills no matter their age.
When children contribute to household tasks, they start to understand the importance of working as a team and develop essential habits like time management and organization.
Chores can boost their confidence and self-esteem by showing them the value of hard work and the satisfaction of completing a task.
Related reading: Chores for Four Year Olds and Cleaning with Kids
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It encourages a sense of respect for the efforts required to maintain a home and promotes a feeling of community within the family.
To make chores a positive experience, create a chore chart to clearly outline responsibilities and use positive reinforcement to encourage consistent effort.
Offering praise and small rewards, such as extra screen time or a bit of allowance, can motivate kids to stay engaged and take pride in their work.
By making chores a regular part of daily routines, parents can help their children develop important skills and a strong work ethic that will benefit them throughout their lives.
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Chores by Age
Breaking down chores by age is a great way to make sure tasks fit your kids’ abilities as they grow.
Little ones, around 2-4 years old, can start with easy jobs like picking up toys or helping set the table.
Kids aged 5-7 can take on more, like making their beds, watering plants, and feeding pets.
When they get to 8-10 years old, they can handle things like taking out the trash, folding laundry, and helping with meal prep.
Preteens and teens, aged 11 and up, can do more independent tasks such as doing their own laundry, cleaning bathrooms, and cooking simple meals.
This way, they build their skills gradually and learn to be more independent.
But no worries, the rest of this article breaks down all the chore ideas by age! Keep reading for ideas of rewards, if you choose to reward your kids for completing their chores.
Chores for 2-4 Year Olds
In this section, you’ll learn the chore ideas I have for 2-4-year-old toddlers and the tips to make it fun and successful!
10 Chores Ideas for Toddlers
Picking up toys and putting them in a toy box.
Helping set the table with unbreakable items like napkins and utensils – nothing sharp.
Dusting low surfaces with a dust cloth or sock.
Putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
Watering indoor plants with a small watering can.
Helping to feed pets with supervision.
Wiping up small spills with a cloth.
Sorting socks and other simple laundry tasks.
Putting books back on the shelf.
Helping to put groceries away by handing items to an adult.
Tips for Getting 2-4 Year Olds to Do Chores:
Make it Fun: Turn chores into a game by singing songs, using a timer to race against, or pretending to be characters they like.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise their efforts enthusiastically and offer small rewards like stickers or extra playtime.
Be Patient: Understand that young kids may need more time and guidance to complete tasks, so keep instructions simple and clear.
Lead by Example: Show them how to do the chore first, as kids often learn best by watching and imitating adults.
Keep Tasks Short: Young children have short attention spans, so keep chores brief and varied to maintain their interest.
Create a Routine: Incorporate chores into their daily routine so they become a regular part of their day.
Use Visual Aids: Chore charts with pictures can help young kids understand and remember their tasks.
Offer Choices: Give them options between two chores to give them a sense of control and independence.
Celebrate Success: Make a big deal out of completed chores, no matter how small, to encourage them to keep helping.
Be Consistent: Regularly remind them and gently reinforce the habit of doing chores to build a routine.
Chores for Kids 5-7
In this section, you’ll find 15 chore ideas for kids 5-7 years in age and some tips to keeping them motivated in their chores.
Making their bed each morning.
Setting and clearing the table for meals.
Dusting furniture and lower shelves.
Folding simple laundry items like towels and washcloths.
Putting away their clean clothes.
Watering outdoor plants and garden beds.
Emptying small trash cans into a larger bin.
Sweeping or vacuuming small areas.
Helping to prepare simple meals or snacks.
Feeding and grooming pets with supervision.
Sorting recycling materials.
Wiping down countertops and tables.
Cleaning up their play area.
Organizing their school supplies.
Putting groceries away with guidance.
Ideas for Success:
Incorporate Technology: Use kid-friendly apps or timers to make chores a fun challenge. For example, set a timer to see if they can beat their previous record for a specific task.
Create a Reward System: Develop a point system where they earn points for each completed chore, which they can trade for a special treat, toy, or activity.
Theme Days: Assign different themes to each day (e.g., “Tidy Tuesday” or “Sweeping Saturday”) to make chores feel more special and less like a routine.
Storytelling: Turn chores into storytelling sessions where they pretend to be characters on a mission to complete their tasks. This can make the process more imaginative and engaging.
Chore Buddies: Pair them up with a sibling or friend to do chores together. This can make the tasks more social and enjoyable, and they can motivate each other to get things done.
Visual Timers: Use sand timers or hourglasses so they can visually see the time passing, making it a race against time in a fun way.
Chore Jar: Write chores on slips of paper and place them in a jar. Let them pick a chore from the jar, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the task.
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More free chore charts are below.
Chores for Kids 8-12
This section is for kids 8-12 – which is a great age for taking on even more responsibility- don’t forget to keep reading where we’ll touch on any rewards or allowance ideas for kids and chores.
Making their bed each morning.
Setting and clearing the table for meals.
Dusting furniture and shelves.
Folding and putting away their laundry.
Watering plants and garden beds.
Taking out the trash and recycling.
Sweeping and mopping floors.
Vacuuming carpets and rugs.
Helping to prepare meals and snacks.
Washing and drying dishes or loading/unloading the dishwasher.
Cleaning their room and organizing toys.
Feeding and grooming pets.
Sorting and organizing the pantry or fridge.
Wiping down kitchen counters and appliances.
Cleaning bathrooms, including sinks, toilets, and mirrors.
Washing windows and mirrors.
Changing bed linens and pillowcases.
Emptying and cleaning backpacks or school bags.
Helping with yard work, like raking leaves or pulling weeds.
Assisting with grocery shopping and putting groceries away.
Ideas to Keep Them Motivated:
Create a Reward System: Develop a point or sticker chart where they earn points for each completed chore. Points can be exchanged for rewards like extra screen time, a favorite treat, or a special outing.
Set Goals and Offer Incentives: Establish short-term and long-term goals with corresponding rewards. For example, completing all chores for a week could earn a special reward, like choosing a family movie or going out for ice cream.
Incorporate Music and Fun: Let them listen to their favorite music or audiobook while doing chores. This can make the tasks more enjoyable and time pass quicker.
Family Chore Time: Set a specific time when everyone in the family does chores together. This creates a team atmosphere and makes the task feel less like a solo burden.
Create a Chore Wheel: Make a wheel of chores they can spin to determine which task they’ll do. This adds an element of fun and unpredictability to the chore routine.
Offer Choices: Allow them to choose from a list of chores. Having a say in what tasks they do can make them feel more in control and willing to participate.
Praise and Acknowledge: Regularly praise their efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small. Acknowledgment from parents can boost their confidence and encourage them to keep up the good work.
Variety and Rotation: Rotate chores regularly to keep things interesting and to ensure they learn a range of skills. This prevents them from getting bored with the same tasks.
Involve Them in Planning: Involve kids in planning the chore schedule. When they have a say in the process, they’re more likely to be committed to following through.
Create a Visual Schedule: Use a chore chart or calendar that clearly outlines what needs to be done each day. Visual reminders can help them stay on track and manage their time better.
Chores for kids 13+
Just because you have teens now doesn’t mean the chores should stop. As someone with teens, I believe it’s just as important now to keep the chores going as when they’re little and learning responsibility.
No matter how busy your teens are, they can fit in a chore or two a week.
Cleaning the kitchen, including washing dishes, wiping counters, and sweeping/mopping floors.
Doing laundry, including sorting, washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes.
Vacuuming and/or steam cleaning carpets and rugs.
Dusting furniture, shelves, and electronics.
Cleaning and organizing closets and drawers.
Taking out the trash and recycling, and maintaining outdoor garbage bins.
Mowing the lawn and/or trimming hedges (with supervision and appropriate safety equipment).
Washing exterior windows and cleaning outdoor furniture.
Assisting with meal planning and grocery shopping.
Cooking meals or preparing snacks for the family.
Deep cleaning bathrooms, including scrubbing showers, sinks, and toilets.
Organizing and decluttering common areas like the living room or family room.
Washing and detailing the family car (if age appropriate and with supervision).
Cleaning and maintaining household appliances, such as the oven, microwave, or refrigerator.
Gardening tasks like weeding, planting, and watering outdoor plants.
Assisting with household repairs or DIY projects under supervision.
Managing and organizing household paperwork and bills.
Walking and feeding pets, and cleaning up after them.
Assisting with technology-related tasks, such as setting up new devices or troubleshooting issues.
Cleaning and organizing the garage or storage areas.
Planning and executing home improvement projects, such as painting or redecorating.
Babysitting younger siblings or family members.
Assisting with event planning and preparations for family gatherings or parties.
Researching and implementing eco-friendly practices in the home, such as composting or reducing energy consumption.
Volunteering for community service projects or charity work.
Ideas for Keeping Them Motivated When Busy:
Flexible Scheduling: Allow flexibility in chore scheduling to accommodate their busy schedules. Let them choose when to complete tasks as long as they meet deadlines.
Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks: Encourage them to break larger chores into smaller, more manageable tasks. This makes chores feel less overwhelming, especially when they have limited time.
Prioritize and Plan: Help them prioritize their chores based on urgency and importance. Creating to-do lists or using digital organization tools can help them stay on top of their responsibilities.
Offer Rewards: Provide incentives for completing chores, such as earning money, extra privileges, or a treat they enjoy. Rewards can motivate them to make time for chores, even when busy.
Lead by Example: Show them the importance of balancing responsibilities by managing your own tasks effectively. Seeing you prioritize chores alongside other commitments sets a positive example for them to follow.
Open Communication: Maintain open communication about their schedules and responsibilities. Encourage them to discuss any challenges or conflicts they face in completing chores, and work together to find solutions.
Acknowledge Efforts: Recognize and appreciate their efforts, even when they’re unable to complete all their chores due to a busy schedule. Positive reinforcement reinforces their sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue prioritizing chores in the future.
Reward Ideas by Age
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2-4 year old rewards
I’ve put together a list of chore reward items you may want to consider and check out on my Benable account.
Sticker Chart: Create a sticker chart where they can place a sticker for each completed chore. Once they reach a certain number of stickers, they earn a reward.
Extra Playtime: Offer them an additional 15 minutes of playtime with their favorite toy or activity for completing their chores.
Special Snack: Let them choose a special snack, like a small piece of their favorite fruit or a cookie, as a reward for helping with chores.
Story Time: Reward them with an extra bedtime story or an additional story during the day as a treat for doing their chores.
Praise and Recognition: Shower them with praise and positive reinforcement, such as clapping, high-fives, or a special “Good Job” dance.
Activity Choice: Allow them to choose an activity for family time, such as playing a game, going for a walk, or having a picnic in the backyard.
Special Outing: Plan a special outing, like a trip to the park, zoo, or playground, as a reward for their hard work with chores.
Art Supplies: Surprise them with a new pack of crayons, markers, or stickers to use for their creative projects.
Favorite TV Show or Movie: Let them watch an extra episode of their favorite TV show or a movie of their choice as a reward for completing chores.
Praise Board: Create a “Praise Board” where you write down all the chores they’ve done and display it prominently. Seeing their accomplishments can be a reward in itself and encourage them to continue helping out.
5-7 year old rewards
I’ve put together a list of chore reward items you may want to consider and check out on my Benable account.
Praise and Recognition: Offer verbal praise and recognition for their hard work and effort in completing their chores. Tell them specifically what they did well and how much you appreciate their help.
Sticker Chart: Create a sticker chart where they can earn a sticker for each completed chore. Once they reach a certain number of stickers, they can exchange them for a reward.
Extra Screen Time: Allow them to earn extra screen time, such as additional minutes of playing video games, watching TV shows, or using educational apps, as a reward for completing their chores.
Special Treat: Surprise them with a special treat, like a small toy, a favorite snack, or a piece of candy, as a reward for their hard work with chores.
Activity Choice: Let them choose an activity for family time, such as playing a board game, going for a bike ride, or having a picnic in the backyard, as a reward for helping out around the house.
Outdoor Playtime: Offer them additional outdoor playtime, such as extra time at the park or playground, as a reward for completing their chores.
Art Supplies: Surprise them with a new pack of crayons, markers, coloring books, or other art supplies to use for their creative projects as a reward for their efforts with chores.
Favorite Meal: Let them choose their favorite meal or dessert for dinner one night as a reward for their hard work and cooperation with chores.
Family Movie Night: Plan a special family movie night where they get to choose the movie as a reward for helping out with chores.
Special Outing: Plan a special outing, such as a trip to the zoo, museum, or ice cream shop, as a reward for their diligence and responsibility in completing their chores.
8-12 year old rewards
Allowance: Provide them with a small weekly or monthly allowance as a reward for consistently completing their chores.
Screen Time Tokens: Give them tokens or tickets that they can exchange for extra screen time, such as playing video games, watching TV shows, or using electronic devices.
Privilege Upgrade: Offer them the opportunity to earn special privileges, such as staying up later on weekends, having a friend sleep over, or choosing the family movie night selection.
Activity of Choice: Let them choose an activity or outing as a reward for their hard work with chores, such as going to the movies, mini-golfing, or visiting a favorite restaurant.
Tech Time Extension: Allow them to earn additional time for using technology devices, like tablets or smartphones, as a reward for completing their chores.
Personalized Items: Surprise them with a personalized item, such as a water bottle, notebook, or keychain, featuring their name or favorite character, as a reward for their efforts.
Book or Magazine: Gift them a new book or magazine of their choice as a reward for their responsibility and dedication to completing their chores.
Sports Equipment: Reward them with a new piece of sports equipment, like a soccer ball, basketball, or skateboard, to encourage physical activity and healthy habits.
Art Supplies: Provide them with a set of high-quality art supplies, like sketchbooks, colored pencils, or paints, to fuel their creativity as a reward for their diligence with chores.
Family Outing: Plan a special family outing or activity, such as a hike, bike ride, or picnic, as a reward for their teamwork and contributions to the household.
13+ year old rewards
Allowance Increase: Offer them a raise in their allowance as a reward for consistently completing their chores or taking on additional responsibilities around the house.
Cash Rewards: Provide them with cash rewards for each chore completed or for reaching specific milestones, such as a certain number of completed tasks in a week or month.
Bonus for Extra Tasks: Offer them a bonus for going above and beyond their regular chores, such as tackling a particularly challenging task or assisting with a special project.
Gift Cards: Give them gift cards to their favorite stores or restaurants as a reward for their hard work and dedication to completing their chores.
Technology Upgrades: Allow them to earn money towards purchasing new technology devices, like a smartphone, tablet, or gaming console, based on their chore performance.
Concert or Event Tickets: Reward them with tickets to a concert, sports event, or other special event of their choice as a motivation for consistently completing their chores.
Driving Privileges: Offer them additional driving privileges, such as borrowing the car for social outings or driving lessons, as a reward for their responsibility and reliability with chores.
Paid Responsibilities: Assign them paid responsibilities within the household, such as pet sitting, lawn care, or tutoring younger siblings, to earn money in addition to their regular chores.
Savings Matching: Match a portion of the money they earn from completing chores and encourage them to save it for future goals, such as college expenses or a special purchase.
Experience-Based Rewards: Plan experience-based rewards, such as a weekend getaway, adventure activity, or spa day, as a special treat for their hard work and commitment to household duties.
Wrapping Up Chores by Age
Involving children in household chores from a young age is a valuable practice that fosters responsibility, independence, and important life skills.
By breaking down chores according to age-appropriate tasks, we can provide children with opportunities to contribute to the family unit while gradually building their abilities and confidence.
From simple tasks for toddlers to more complex responsibilities for teens, assigning chores by age sets the stage for a lifelong understanding of the importance of teamwork, organization, and hard work.
As parents and caregivers, we play a crucial role in guiding and encouraging our children through this process, helping them develop into capable, self-reliant individuals who are ready to take on the challenges of the future.
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