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

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

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 2 to 12.

Bonus – This is a great way to keep them busy during the school holidays and on weekends, while keeping your house spic and span, too!

2 years old

Your 2-year old can help with simple tasks like setting the table. You can put him in charge of placing utensils and napkins in each place setting.

You can teach him how to pack away after play time by designating a box that he can put toys in when he is done. 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 on low shelves after they are done reading.

They 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 them how much food to give pets and when to feed them.

Try asking them to help you organise your flatware in the drawer, placing spoons, forks and butter knives in their appropriate places. Make sure to remind them 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. At this age, he should also be able to make his own bed.

In the kitchen, kids this age can help in putting away the groceries. Start by having them 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.

6 years old

As they get older, you can start assigning bigger tasks to your kids. Sweeping the floors and wiping up tables after meals are just a couple of chores you can ask your 6-year old child to do.

At this age, you can teach them how to fold clothes and put away their own clean laundry. They 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 a 7-year old kid 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, and also how to use a vacuum cleaner 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 as you prepare.

9 years old

At nine, a child 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 a 10-year old 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. They can be taught how to use a lawn mower, and clean the toilet as well.

If you see improvements in their kitchen skills you can start teaching them how to prepare meals for lunch and dinner. Start with simple recipes and progress to more complex ones later on.

12 years old

Kids at 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 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, too.

What household chores do your kids help you with?

Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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