When it comes to fostering life skills that will last long into adulthood, age appropriate chores come to the rescue. If you have children between the ages of 2 and 14, then there are a number of things your children can begin doing to not only help out around the house, but also help them learn a new level of responsibility.
At what age should a child do chores?
Contrary to popular belief, children can begin doing chores as young as two years old. At this age, children can begin doing small tasks such as picking up toys, helping with laundry or even sweeping. Although it may not be perfect, it is the act of learning how to perform a task that is the most important. Giving young children a chore also helps them to reach bigger milestones.
How many chores should a child have?
When it comes to the amount of chores you should give your children, there is no solid rule that says “this many” chores is right. In this case, you should keep your own unique children and developmental abilities in mind. I do not recommend giving younger children an overload of tasks to do as their attention spans are much shorter and their ability to understand multiple directions is not quite fashioned yet.
For old children, they can handle a few more things on their list. Starting them off young will add to their ability to understand what is being asked of them, as well as follow through.
What chores are age appropriate?
The fact of the matter is it depends on the child the age they started doing chores. If a child began helping with laundry at 7 years old, then chances are by 10 years old, they could be ready to start doing their own. Overall, the skills your children begin to learn at an early age can easily be added to as they progress in years. If you’re looking for suggestions for age appropriate chores, the lists below are a good starting point.
Chores for 2-3 year olds
Cognitive development for 2-3 year olds is met by a sense of independence followed by the need for help. Toddlers at this age are showing big feelings, understanding simple sentences, and often showing a new set of thinking skills. Here are few chores that can help enhance your toddler’s development:
- Pick up and put away toys
- Take dirty clothes to laundry basket
- Put away clothes
- Fill pet’s bowl with water and food
- Help clean up spills
- Dust with rag
How do I teach my toddler to do chores?
The best way to teach your toddler chores is by show and tell. Purchase a few toddler-sized cleaning supplies such as a small broom, dust pan, mop, and duster brush and show them how they work. Give them opportunities to try by themselves, make mistakes, and feel good when they’ve accomplished something.
Chores for 4-5 year olds
At this age, 4-5 year olds can begin to understand more complex directions and do a few things by themselves, especially if they started a year or two before. Having grown out of the toddler stage, children in this stage of development are able to handle a bit more and stay focused for longer periods of time. The child in them still needs to be taught, shown, and rewarded. Below are a few chores to consider for your 4-5 year old:
- All previous chores
- Make the bed with minimal help
- Take out recycling
- Wipe counters
- Water plants
- Weed the garden
- Wash dishes with supervision
- Wipe bathroom sinks and counters
Chores for 6-8 year olds
Officially at the “school” age, 6-8 year old are more dependent and proficient with their physical skills. This means they are able to do chores that involve heavier objects such as a vacuum, and even help prepare meals. Consider these chores for your growing child:
- All previous chores
- Fold and hang laundry
- Sweep
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Put away dishes from the dishwasher
- Help with food preparation
- Get the mail
- Take out garbage
Chores for 9-11 year olds
Reaching the teens years, 9-11 year olds are typically ready for chores that don’t require much parental supervision. They can also be given a list of chores to do on a daily basis and get them done. These chores are perfect to add to your child’s chore chart:
- All previous chores
- Wash dishes
- Wash family car with supervision
- Make simple meals
- Rake leaves
- Learn to use the washer and dryer
- Clean bathrooms
Chores for 12-14 year olds
By this age, children should have all basic skills necessary to do chores that are a bit more complex. This is also a delicate age when it comes to confidence and self-esteem so giving your children praise for a job well done can do wonders. As they inch closer and closer toward adulthood, consider adding these chores to their to-do list:
- All previous chores
- Clean out fridge and freezer
- Make more advanced meals
- Mow the lawn with supervision
- Change the vacuum bag
- Clean mirrors and windows
Helping your children learn important life skills can start with incorporating age appropriate chores. Remember to keep their growth and development levels in mind and plan accordingly. As you see them mastering one chore, add on another one. Consider using a chore chart and reward system to keep them focused and motivated at the same time!
