Tired of tripping over toy cars, mismatched socks, or the mysterious sticky patch that appeared—again—under the dining table? Welcome to the club.
Giving kids chores isn’t just about saving your own sanity (though that’s a nice side benefit); it’s about raising capable humans who can eventually find the laundry basket without a GPS.
But what chores actually work for kids at different ages? And how do you get them to do something resembling a task, instead of, say, redecorating the living room with muddy shoes?
Let’s get practical. And maybe a smidge realistic.
Why Chores Matter—Even When They Drive You Batty
Handing kids a broom isn’t just about keeping the dust bunnies at bay.
Research (check out this insight from the University of Minnesota’s child development study) suggests that children who help with household responsibilities from an early age tend to grow up more independent, responsible, and even get along better with peers.
Best of all, they’re slightly less likely to leave you an overflowing laundry basket well into their twenties.
Of course, getting them to want to help is another saga, but we’ll get there.
The Littlest Helpers: Chores for Preschoolers (Ages 2-4)
If you’ve ever watched a toddler “help” fold laundry, you already know the phrase “age-appropriate” deserves respect. Two- to four-year-olds are enthusiastic about helping, even if their help comes with a side of chaos.
Tasks that suit this age:
- Putting toys in bins or baskets (accuracy not guaranteed, but at least they’re contained)
- Wiping up spills with a cloth (emphasis on the attempt)
- Placing dirty clothes in a hamper
- Helping feed pets (with supervision, unless you fancy a new goldfish-food carpet)
- Dusting with a sock over their hand (it’s fun and remarkably effective, sometimes)
Keep instructions simple and celebrate—even if the socks end up in the Lego box. They’re learning.
Early School Age: Chores for Ages 5-7
Children in this bracket are still easily distracted, but now have a little more coordination and memory. They can start handling slightly more complex jobs, and chores can begin to resemble actual help.
Good options:
- Making their bed (no hospital corners needed)
- Setting and clearing the table for meals
- Watering plants (expect some puddles)
- Matching socks
- Sorting silverware from the dishwasher
- Putting away folded clothes
- Tidying bookshelves
Games and races can work wonders. “Let’s see if you can put your shoes away before this song finishes!” works far better than “Please tidy the hallway.” Trust me.
Growing Independence: Chores for Ages 8-10
At this age, kids are craving independence and are capable of real responsibility.
Don’t be surprised if you catch them negotiating for a higher allowance after unloading the dishwasher—a sign of growing life skills if nothing else.
Chores that suit this age:
- Vacuuming (they love the noise, for now)
- Dusting furniture (still with the sock, perhaps upgraded to a proper duster)
- Packing their own school lunch (with your guidelines)
- Making simple snacks (toast, fruit, yogurt—nothing that requires a fire extinguisher)
- Folding and putting away laundry
- Taking out the rubbish or recycling
- Bringing in the post
Rotate jobs to keep things fresh and avoid mutiny.
Tween Time: Chores for Ages 11-13
Tweens are capable of more (just don’t tell them that). They might grumble, but they’ve got the skills, coordination, and, yes, opinions.
Tasks to consider:
- Washing the car (with a threat to hose down siblings as incentive)
- Mowing the lawn (if you’re comfortable with their judgment)
- Preparing easy meals (think pasta, sandwiches, not soufflé)
- Cleaning bathrooms (yes, really—they’re old enough)
- Washing windows
- Putting away groceries
- Walking the dog (round the block, not to the next suburb)
A family chore chart may help here. Public accountability is a powerful thing.
The Teenagers: Chores for Ages 14 and Up
Teenagers’ interests swing wildly (today it’s TikTok, tomorrow it’s existential dread), but they’re ready for adult-level tasks, even if their motivation fluctuates with the phases of the moon.
Appropriate responsibilities:
- Cooking full meals (with recipes, supervision optional)
- Grocery shopping (with a list and, if you’re brave, a budget)
- Doing their own laundry (and possibly yours—milk it while you can)
- Babysitting younger siblings for short periods
- Yard work: raking, shoveling, weeding
- Deep cleaning (bathrooms, kitchen, fridge). Yes, it’s possible.
- Managing a personal calendar or planner
Negotiate chores as part of earning privileges—driving, screen time, or a little pocket money. Adult-level freedoms come with adult-level jobs. Welcome to the real world.
Getting Kids to Actually Do Chores Without Losing Your Mind
Assigning jobs is the easy part. Getting kids to do them—and do them well—requires a blend of art, science, and, sometimes, interpretive dance.
A few strategies stand out:
Make Chores Routine, Not Random
Consistency works wonders. If chores are a fixed part of the daily routine, kids are less likely to treat them as a surprise attack.
Chore charts, visual schedules, or even an app like OurHome (which turns chores into a points-based game) can help keep everyone on the same page—literally.
Praise the Effort, Not Just the Outcome
Perfection is rare, especially when your six-year-old is folding towels into abstract sculptures. Praise the effort and you’ll see more willingness next time.
According to research summarised by Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on effort rather than outcome builds motivation and confidence.
Avoid Chore Overload
Nobody likes feeling overworked—including kids. Limit the number of chores per day and scale back when life gets busy.
A couple of regular jobs, done well, beat a mile-long to-do list that inevitably ends in tears.
Connect Chores to the Real World
Kids appreciate knowing why their tasks matter.
Explain (without the full TED Talk) how emptying the dishwasher means there are clean plates for dinner, or how walking the dog gives your furry friend exercise (and keeps her from chewing your shoes).
Keep It Age-Appropriate—And Adjust As They Grow
Periodically reevaluate what your child can handle, especially as they gain new skills. Just because your 10-year-old once struggled with the mop doesn’t mean she can’t handle the kitchen floor now.
On the flip side, don’t expect a three-year-old to deep-clean the bathroom. Unless you fancy a visit from social services.
Should You Pay for Chores? The Great Allowance Debate
Parents have been arguing this point for decades, and the experts are split.
Some, like those quoted by Child Mind Institute, argue that tying chores to allowance teaches kids about the link between work and money. Others say household jobs are simply part of being a family, not a paid gig.
A common compromise: basic chores (like making beds, setting the table) are non-negotiable, unpaid family contributions. Bigger, extra tasks—washing the car, raking leaves—can be paid for, if you like.
You know your family best.
If the prospect of earning a tenner gets your teen excited to clean the garage, go for it. If your preschooler is just delighted to help, hold off on the piggy bank.
What to Do When Kids Refuse to Do Chores
Ah, the inevitable power struggle. Nobody enjoys it, but it happens. A few tricks can help:
- Stay calm and stick to the plan. Yelling rarely inspires cooperation.
- Use natural consequences: no clean uniform, no football practice.
- Give choices: “Would you rather unload the dishwasher or set the table?”
- Remind them of the privileges tied to completed responsibilities.
- Occasionally, let them off the hook—life happens. But not every time, or you’ll be back to square one.
If resistance is constant, it’s worth a chat to find out why. Sometimes, kids feel overwhelmed, confused by instructions, or resentful if they think the workload isn’t fair.
Making Chores a Family Affair
Even the best strategies can fall flat if one person is stuck cleaning while everyone else lounges like royalty. Kids (and adults) buy in more when chores are done together.
Blast some music, set a timer, and everybody pitches in for 20 minutes. Call it a power clean or “Operation: Let’s Not Embarrass Ourselves When Grandma Visits.”
Younger children especially love working side-by-side with parents, so don’t underestimate the power of togetherness—plus, you can keep an eye on quality control.
Mistakes Happen—And That’s OK
Sometimes the milk jug will go in the freezer. Sometimes the dog’s dinner will be shared with the houseplants. Mistakes are part of learning.
Resist the urge to redo every chore or nitpick every streaky window. Intervene only when safety is at stake, or when the results are so odd you need to take a photo for posterity.
Making Chores Stick as Kids Grow
The ultimate goal isn’t a perfectly clean house (though wouldn’t that be dreamy?) but raising children who pitch in, contribute, and eventually leave home with more skills than “can recite all the Pokémon in alphabetical order.”
Start small, stay consistent, and adjust as your kids grow. Chores aren’t punishment; they’re a ticket to self-sufficiency—and, if you’re lucky, a few extra minutes on the sofa with your cuppa.
The Secret Ingredient: Your Own Attitude
Whether you love chores (someone out there does, apparently) or loathe them, your kids are watching. Treating jobs as a normal part of family life, not a burden to be dreaded, sets a tone that can last a lifetime.
A little humour helps, too. Some days will be more “clean-ish” than clean, and that’s perfectly fine.
Celebrate small wins. Praise the effort.
And, when all else fails, remember: that sticky patch under the dining table has survived this long. Surely it can wait one more day.
Growing Capable Humans (and Maybe a Cleaner House)
Chores for kids aren’t just about getting the windows washed or the dog fed (though those things are nice).
You’re building skills, confidence, and a sense of family teamwork that will stick longer than last week’s mystery stain.
Start where your children are, match jobs to their skills, and—most importantly—keep your sense of humour within arm’s reach.
After all, one day those little helpers will be in charge of their own homes, and you’ll be able to smile when you hear their tales of chore chaos.
Pass the mop—and the memories.
