Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids: A Complete List by Age (2 to 13+)

"What chores can my kid actually do?" Almost every parent asks this at some point, usually right after finding a wet towel on the bedroom floor for the fifth time this week.

The short answer: more than you think, as long as the chore matches their age. A three-year-old can't load a dishwasher safely, but they can put spoons in the drawer. A ten-year-old might grumble about laundry, but they're perfectly capable of running a load from start to finish.

This guide breaks chores down by age, from toddlers to teens, with practical tips on how many chores to assign, how to teach them, and how to turn a list into a routine that lasts longer than a week.

Why Age-Appropriate Chores Matter

Chores aren't only about getting help around the house. When a task fits a child's abilities, it does three things at once:

It builds real skills. Folding, sorting, cooking basics and cleaning are life skills kids will need anyway.
It builds confidence. Finishing a job on their own tells a child "I'm capable," which is worth more than any sticker.
It builds a sense of belonging. Kids who help run the home feel like part of the team, not guests in it.

When a chore is too hard, kids fail and give up. When it's too easy, they get bored. The sweet spot is a task they can do on their own after you've shown them a few times.

How to Use This List

Every child develops at their own pace, so treat the ages below as a starting point, not a rulebook. A few ground rules help:

Start small. Two or three chores are plenty when you're just starting out.
Keep earlier chores. Each age group builds on the previous one. A 9-year-old still makes their bed.
Teach before you expect. Show the chore, do it together, then let them try alone.
Put safety first. You know your child best. Sharp knives, the stove, chemicals and power tools need supervision until you're confident.

Chores for Toddlers (Ages 2–3)

Toddlers love to help. The results won't be perfect, and that's fine. The goal is the habit, not the outcome.

Put toys back in a basket or bin
Throw trash in the bin
Put dirty clothes in the laundry hamper
Wipe up small spills with a cloth
Help feed pets (scooping dry food with your help)
Bring their plate to the counter after meals
Match socks (great as a game)
Put books back on a low shelf

Tip: Turn chores into games: "Can you put all the blocks away before the song ends?"

Chores for Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)

Preschoolers can follow simple two- or three-step instructions and are proud to have "their" jobs.

Make their bed (a pulled-up blanket counts)
Set the table with napkins and cutlery
Clear their own place after meals
Water plants with a small watering can
Sort laundry by color
Dust low surfaces with a sock on their hand
Put away groceries that go on low shelves
Help pack their own backpack for preschool
Tidy their room with a short checklist

Chores for Kids Ages 6–7

Early elementary kids can work more independently and handle tasks with a clear "done" moment.

Make their bed properly
Fold and put away their own clothes
Empty small trash cans around the house
Feed pets on their own
Help load and unload the dishwasher (no sharp knives)
Wipe the table and kitchen counters
Sweep small areas with a hand broom
Help prepare simple snacks and breakfast
Get dressed and ready for school with a morning checklist
Pack their own school bag the night before

Chores for Kids Ages 8–9

By now, kids can take on chores that take 10–15 minutes and require a bit of planning.

Load and unload the dishwasher fully
Vacuum or mop a room
Take out the trash and recycling
Make simple meals with supervision (sandwiches, salads, scrambled eggs)
Help with grocery shopping and put everything away
Clean the bathroom sink and mirror
Rake leaves or help with gardening
Walk the dog (with an adult or in a safe area)
Change their own bed sheets with help

Chores for Kids Ages 10–12

Tweens are ready for chores that run start to finish without you stepping in.

Do a load of laundry: wash, dry, fold, put away
Clean the whole bathroom
Cook a simple family meal once a week
Wash dishes by hand
Clean out the fridge or a pantry shelf
Mow the lawn with supervision (depending on equipment and local guidance)
Help younger siblings with their chores
Take responsibility for one pet's daily care
Plan their own weekly schedule, including homework and activities

Chores for Teens (Ages 13+)

Teenagers can manage nearly every household task. The focus shifts to independence and preparing for adult life.

Do all of their own laundry
Plan and cook meals, including a grocery list
Deep clean the kitchen or bathroom
Wash the car
Handle yard work
Babysit younger siblings for short periods
Run errands (with a license or public transport)
Manage their own appointments and schedule
Budget their own money for clothes or activities

How Many Chores Should Kids Have?

There's no official number, but a simple rule of thumb works for most families:

Ages 2–5: 1–3 tiny daily tasks, a few minutes in total
Ages 6–9: 2–4 daily tasks plus one weekly chore, around 10–20 minutes a day
Ages 10–12: daily tasks plus 1–2 bigger weekly chores
Teens: daily responsibilities plus ownership of a few household jobs

If chores regularly turn into a battle, it's usually a sign that there are too many at once, or that expectations aren't clear, not that your child is lazy.

How to Teach a New Chore: "I Do, We Do, You Do"

Kids rarely do a chore "wrong" on purpose. Usually nobody showed them what "done" looks like. Try this three-step method:

I do: You do the chore while your child watches and you explain each step.
We do: You do it together, with your child doing more each time.
You do: Your child does it alone. You check the result and give specific feedback ("The counter is spotless, nice job on the corners").

Write down what "done" means. "Clean your room" is vague. "Clothes in the hamper, toys in the bins, bed made" is clear.

Turn the List Into a Routine

A list on the fridge is a great start, but most chore charts quietly die by week three. What keeps chores going is a simple system:

Split daily and weekly chores. Making the bed is daily. Cleaning the bathroom sink might be weekly.
Attach chores to existing moments. "After breakfast, plates go in the dishwasher." "Before screen time, backpack is packed."
Make progress visible. Kids love checking things off and seeing what they've done.
Reward consistency, not perfection. Points for effort and follow-through work better than criticism for imperfect results.

This is exactly what we built Famiyo for. You add each chore once, set it to repeat (daily, weekly, monthly, or every few days), assign it to a child and give it a point value. Each child sees their own tasks on their own phone, checks them off, and collects points they can spend in a family rewards shop you set up, like extra screen time, choosing dinner or a trip to the park. You decide whether kids can check off chores themselves or whether a parent approves them first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should kids start doing chores?

Most kids can start simple chores around age 2, like putting toys in a bin or clothes in the hamper. Starting early makes chores a normal part of family life instead of a sudden new rule later.

What chores can a 5-year-old do?

A 5-year-old can typically make their bed, set the table, clear their plate, water plants, sort laundry by color, feed a pet with help and tidy their room with a picture checklist.

What chores should a 10-year-old do?

A 10-year-old can usually do a full load of laundry, clean a bathroom, load and unload the dishwasher, take out the trash, vacuum, and help cook simple meals.

Should kids get paid for chores?

It depends on your family's approach. Many parents treat everyday chores as part of being in the family and offer rewards or money only for extra jobs. We cover the options in our guide to allowance by age.

What if my child refuses to do chores?

Check the basics first: is the chore clear, doable for their age, and taught properly? Then keep expectations consistent and calm. Our article on getting kids to do chores without nagging has strategies that work.

The Bottom Line

The best chore list is one that fits your child today and grows with them tomorrow. Start with two or three age-appropriate tasks, teach them well, make progress visible, and celebrate consistency. Within a few weeks, chores stop being a daily negotiation and become just part of how your family works.