Age-appropriate chores kids can help you with (Ages 2 to 12)

Give your children a sense of responsibility at home, and teach them valuable life skills with these age-appropriate chores for kids from 2 to 12 years old.

Chores for kids from 2 to 12 years old

It’s never too late (or too early!) to teach your kids how they can help out at home. Give them a sense of responsibility around the house with these age-appropriate chores for kids from age two to 12.

Bonus – This is a great way to keep them busy during the summer vacation, while keeping your house spic and span, too!

2 years old

Your two-year old can help with simple tasks like setting the table. Teach him how to place utensils and napkins in each place setting.

Packing away is also something that he can easily do. Designate a box that he can put toys in when he is done playing. He can also help put his dirty clothes in the laundry hamper before bath time.

3 years old

At age three, kids can be taught to return books to their proper places. Low shelves, then, are ideal to encourage this.

Three-year-olds can also be instructed to throw trash into the garbage bin, and bring plastic plates and bowls to the sink after they eat.

4 years old

Your child can start helping out in the garden at age four by watering potted plants. You can also teach him when to feed and how much food to give pets.

Try asking him to help you organize your flatware in the drawer, placing spoons, forks and butter knives in the appropriate places. Make sure to remind him to take extra care with the knives to avoid injury.

5 years old

Washing of eating utensils and plastic plates is another chore you can add to your child's list when he turns five. In the kitchen, he can help in putting away the groceries. Start by having him place canned goods in the pantry, and vegetables in the proper refrigerator drawer.

Those who show an interest in cooking can start learning how to assemble simple salads as part of meal preparation.

At this age, your child should also be able to make his own bed.

6 years old

As they get older, bigger tasks can already be assigned to kids. Sweeping the floors and wiping up tables after meals are just a couple of chores you can ask your six-year-old to do.

At this age, you can teach him how to fold clothes and put away his own clean laundry. He can also start doing more in the kitchen, like beating eggs and mixing pancake batter.

7 years old

Setting the table before meals and clearing it afterwards should not be difficult for seven-year-olds to do. At this age, they should also be able to start making simple snacks for themselves, such as sandwiches and sandwich spreads.

It is a good time to teach them how to peel vegetables using a peeler. Vacuum cleaners can also already be conquered at this time so they can help clean sofas and cushions in the living room.

8 years old

By the time your child turns eight, you can already teach him how to sort soiled laundry and load the washing machine. Taking out the trash and mopping floors are other chores you can ask him to do.

When cooking or baking, you can also ask your child to help you measure out ingredients that you need.

9 years old

At nine, children can learn how to prepare simple breakfast meals like scrambled eggs, omelets and pancakes. They can also be taught how to clean the bathroom, starting with wiping down counters and sinks.

Outside the house, kids this age can learn how to sweep the garden and rake leaves. They can also help you with the groceries by reading your list and crossing out items that you already have in your cart.

10 years old

Helping wash the car is a fun chore that 10-year-olds can take on with dad. They can also be tasked to wash dishes, and learn how to use the washing machine correctly.

Aside from making their beds, they should now be able to change bed sheets and pillow cases themselves.

11 years old

Simple sewing can be taught at age 11, from attaching buttons to mending seams and small tears. Tweens can be taught how to use a lawn mower, and clean the toilet as well.

If you see improvements in your child's kitchen skills, you can start teaching her how to prepare meals for lunch and dinner. Start with simple recipes and progress to more complex ones later on.

12 years old

Kids this age should be responsible enough to babysit their younger siblings. They can also be taught how to change bulbs on lamps, and bake simple cookies, bars and loaves.

You can also already assign your 12-year old to go through the cupboards, refrigerator and pantry, and list down what needs to be purchased on your next grocery trip.

What household chores do your kids help you with?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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