As early as two years old, kids can begin to participate in chores.  Obviously, the tasks a two-year-old can handle differ from those of a five or six-year-old.  One of the keys to chore success is understanding your child's physical and developmental capabilities.  Some children may be able to manage more responsibility, others less. You need to decide what chores are appropriate for your kids.  It's a good idea to start small and add chores based on your child's readiness.  Kids often begin as chore helpers and graduate to doing chores independently when they are ready.  It's even okay to start with one chore, especially if assigning chores is new in your family.  If you want your kids to succeed, you need to set up a system that supports success.   

Below are some suggestions for age appropriate chores:  

2-4 year olds 

  • help dust
  • put napkins on table
  • help put away toys
  • put laundry in hamper
  • help feed pet
  • help push the vacuum

4-7 year olds

  • set the table or help set the table
  • put away toys/things
  • help feed pets
  • water plants
  • help make bed
  • dust
  • put laundry in hamper
  • help put dishes in dishwasher
  • water the garden
  • help wipe up messes
  • help with yard work (rake with child's rake or plant flowers, etc.)
  • help clear table
  • help put away groceries

8-10 year olds

  • make bed
  • water plants
  • clean room with direction
  • set the table
  • clear the table
  • dust
  • vacuum
  • feed pets (depends on type of pet and how your comfortable your child is interacting with the pet)
  • help make dinner
  • put laundry in hamper
  • help wash the car
  • help wash dishes
  • help load/empty dishwasher
  • rake leaves
  • take out the trash

11 year olds and older

  • take garbage out
  • set the table
  • clear the table
  • clean room with direction
  • put away groceries
  • clean the bathroom with direction
  • clean the kitchen
  • dust
  • vacuum
  • mow lawn
  • feed pets
  • water plants
  • put laundry in hamper
  • help with laundry and eventually start doing own laundry
  • help make dinner/make small meals on own
  • help wash the car/wash car
  • make bed
  • help with yard work
  • shovel snow
  • wash dishes/load or empty dishwasher