Age-Appropriate Chores for Children

How can you know what to expect of your child at what age? If you ask your child to put the forks on the left side of the plate, does she know what you mean and is she physically able to do it? If not, take a step back. Maybe you'll simply start by having your child get the silverware to the table. The point is, he says, you want an immediate payoff for you and your child.

Dividing household chores and getting them done isn't always easy, but there are ways to make chores feel a little less like work. Most parents, however, underestimate what their kids are able to do. "Keep in mind that a child who has mastered a complicated computer game can easily run the dishwasher." In general preschoolers can handle one or two simple one-step or two-step jobs. Older children can manage more.

And, as your children grow up and get busy, don't let them off the hook. Tell them, "I hope you get so quick with your chores that they don't interfere with everything else."

Here is a sample of chores provided that will work for many children in these age groups.

Chores for children ages 2 to 3

• Put toys away.

• Fill pet's food dish.

• Put clothes in hamper.

• Wipe up spills.

• Dust.

• Pile books and magazines.



Chores for children ages 4 to 5

Any of the above chores, plus:

• Make own bed.

• Empty wastebaskets.

• Bring in mail or newspaper.

• Clear table.

• Pull weeds.

• Use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs.

• Water flowers.

• Unload utensils from dishwasher.

• Wash plastic dishes at sink.

• Fix bowl of cereal.



Chores for children ages 6 to 7

Any of the above chores, plus:

• Sort laundry.

• Sweep floors.

• Set and clear table.

• Help make and pack lunch.

• Weed and rake leaves.

• Keep bedroom tidy.

• Pour own drinks.

• Answer telephone.



Chores for children ages 8 to 9

Any of the above chores, plus:

• Load dishwasher.

• Put away groceries.

• Vacuum.

• Help make dinner.

• Make own snacks.

• Wash table after meals.

• Put away own laundry.

• Sew buttons.

• Make own breakfast.

• Peel vegetables.

• Cook simple foods, such as toast.

• Mop floor.

• Take pet for a walk.



Chores for children ages 10 and older

Any of the above chores, plus:

• Unload dishwasher.

• Fold laundry.

• Clean bathroom.

• Wash windows.

• Wash car.

• Cook simple meal with supervision.

• Iron clothes.

• Do laundry.

• Baby-sit younger siblings (with adult in the home).

• Mow lawn.

• Clean kitchen.

• Clean oven.

• Change bed.

• Make cookies or cake from a mix.





Taken from www.webmd.com/parenting