Chores That Kids Can Do

During school vacations, I get dozens of emails from tired parents asking about chores that kids can do. We all agree that kids should help around the house, but it’s difficult to know what they should be doing.

Many times when I respond with suggestions about what chores 9-year-old Johnny could take on, or what tasks 12-year-old Janey can handle, I get an email back saying “Oh, my kid could never handle that!”

Here’s a news flash: kids can do a LOT more than you think. After all, just 100 years ago kids as young as nine were working 70-80 hours per week in factories!

Now, I think we can all agree that’s not what we want for our kids, but the point is they aren’t as helpless as we sometimes think. In fact, we’re harming them by doing everything for them.

Chores that Kids Can Do

We Survived Childhood Chores

Out of 1,001 adults surveyed in the U.S. by Braun Research, 82 percent had regular chores growing up, but only 28 percent said that they require the same of their children.

Yes, it’s important for kids to have fun and explore, to socialize with peers, and enjoy a variety of activities and settings. But it’s just as important that they learn life skills.

And do you know how they learn them? CHORES!

Chores Teach Important Life Skills

Pitching in around the house teaches kids the basics of cleaning, organizing, and even cooking — all things they’ll need to do for themselves one day. After all, they don’t suddenly learn such things the day they turn 18 and move out of the house.

Kids learn by having to do chores while they’re younger, with parents around to help explain the steps involved and to show them how to correct mistakes.

Seriously, you do not want your kid trying to learn how to run a dishwasher or broil a fish in the oven for the first time in their own apartment. That’s how floods and fires start, people.

Chores Develop A Good Work Ethic

Beyond learning skills, kids who do chores also learn a work ethic critical to their future success. Having to finish chores before playing teaches kids that they must fulfill their responsibilities to earn their free time. Kids who grow up doing chores at home learn the skills they need for success in college and their early careers, get along better with others, and are more self-sufficient adults.

Besides, giving kids chores means that Mom and Dad have more free time to spend with them. See? Everyone benefits.

Chores That Kids Can Do By Age

As kids grow older, they grow more capable, too. So, in addition to the chores listed under their age group, they should have mastered the tasks from earlier years. If you’re just starting to teach your child chores, begin with ones from an earlier age group and add more responsibilities as they become more confident and able.

Toddlers

Put dirty towels in the hamper.
Help make beds.
Pick up dirty clothes and put them in the hamper.
Pick up toys, books and games.
Wipe smudges off of doors.

3 to 5 years Old

Dust baseboards.
Dust cold air returns.
Dust mop the floor.
Dust picture frames.
Dust tables.
Feed the pets.
Empty the bathroom trash can.
Clean their room with help.
Strip bed linens.
Shake out the Welcome Mat.
Shake out the car’s floor mats.
Basic food prep (wash produce, tear lettuce)
Set the table.
Fold towels.
Sort and roll/fold socks.
Stack magazines neatly.
Straighten and fluff sofa pillows.

6 and 7 Year Olds

Dust lampshades.
Straighten book shelves.
Sort the recycling.
Vacuum edges of rooms with the crevice tool.
Wash baseboards.
Wash pet food bowls.
Wipe bathroom sinks
Use vacuum attachment under beds.
Polish front door knob and kickplate.
Help carry in groceries.
Clean spills in the refrigerator.
Clear the table after meals.
Neatly stack food storage containers and their lids.
Run the sweeper on the kitchen floor after dinner.
Unload the dishwasher.
Wipe appliance fronts
Wipe cupboard fronts.
Move clothes from washer to dryer.
Help hang freshly-dried clothing.
Sort laundry by colors.
Pull weeds.
Rake leaves.

Ages 8 and 9

Help hang freshly-dried clothing.
Sort laundry by colors.
Collect garbage from every wastebasket in the house.
Water house plants.
Wipe down bathroom sinks and faucets.
Clean tub/shower.
Scrub grout.
Clean their room on their own.
Put clean sheets on beds.
Get trash out of the car.
Clean the microwave.
Help cook meals (mix ingredients, cut vegetables, etc.)
Help put away groceries.
Put junk mail through the shredder.
Take out the kitchen trash.
Sweep front walkway.
Pull weeds.
Rake leaves.

Ages 10 to 13

Clean smudges on the inside of windows.
Sweep/vacuum dusty window screens.
Vacuum entire rooms.
Scrub toilets.
Polish bathroom mirrors.
Sweep garage.
Sweep/hose off deck or patio.
Wash patio/deck furniture.
Make meals.
Wash car.

Ages 14 and Up

Wash windows.
Clean any room in the house.
Clean ceiling fans.
Clean fridge/freezer.
Clean oven.
Iron clothes.
Plan grocery list.
Do weeks’ shopping.
Mow yard independently.
Babysit for other people for money.
Make Mommy’s martini

Okay, that last one I’m not willing to trust my teenager with just yet, but let me tell you that it was a real treat the first time my adult daughter made one for each of us!

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