Children are often more capable than we realize. Presenting children with age-appropriate challenges and responsibilities is how parents help them grow. Helping out around the house is the perfect training ground to help prepare your kids for life.

Getting started

•  Talk to your child about what it means to be responsible. Explain their new duties as a way they help the family and learn skills they will need for their whole life.

•  Create a visual schedule or chore chart.

•  Discuss being consistent and reliable.

•  If appropriate, lay out consequences for neglecting chores.

•  As a parent, be consistent with your expectations.

•  The younger the child, the more guidance they will need, especially in the beginning. Do chores with them at first until they have enough skill and confidence.

Age-appropriate chores

Toddlers (2-3)

Toddlers are eager helpers and love to do what you are doing. They will need lots of hands-on guidance, but it’s worth the effort.

•  Pick up toys

•  Wipe up spills

•  Put laundry in the hamper

•  Fill up a pet’s food bowl

Preschoolers (4-5)

At this age, more independence may develop as your child gains more motor control and has a better memory.

•  Clear the table

•  Make their bed

•  Water plants

•  Sort laundry

•  Use a handheld vacuum to clean

Primary schoolers (6-9)

This is the age to reinforce independence and consistency with chore expectations. Your child may begin to push back a bit, but stay firm.

•  Clean their room

•  Wash dishes

•  Vacuum, sweep, or mop

•  Help with meal prep

•  Rake or pull weeds

Middle schoolers (10-13)

By middle school, your child can truly help with tasks around the house and should have the ability to do a variety of chores.

•  Do laundry

•  Take out trash

•  Load and unload the dishwasher

•  Wash the car

•  Make their lunch

High-schoolers (14+)

Moving toward adulthood, now is the time to make tasks more challenging and ensure they have the necessary skills.

•  Mow the lawn

•  Prepare a meal

•  Care for siblings

•  Help with deep cleaning

•  Iron and mend clothes