How to Get Kids to Do Chores (At Any Age!)
Want to help your kiddos learn self-sufficiency, responsibility, and essential life skills? Start assigning them household chores they can do when they’re little. As they grow older, give them more age-appropriate chores. Not only will they be better prepared for living on their own, it’ll help out everyone around the house!
Whether you’re a nanny in Chicago, a child care professional, or a family looking to teach your kids how to pitch in with household duties, check out our chore ideas broken down by age group below.
1) Ages 2 to 3
Toddlers experience huge physical, emotional, learning, and thinking changes. They’re starting to learn how to sort objects by shape and color, as well as how to follow instructions with two or three steps. You might notice your toddler imitating others and wanting independence. Help them build their emerging skills by giving them easy chores they can handle.
Toddlers can help with chores such as:
Put dirty clothes in hamper
Put toys away
Stack or put away books on shelves
Dust
Feed pets
2) Ages 4 to 5
That growing sense of independence and curiosity about the world is even stronger when kids reach preschooler age. At ages four to five, kids have better fine motor skills and coordination; they’re able to use safety scissors, help dress and undress themselves, and learn to tie their shoes. Preschoolers can handle slightly more complex chores around the home.
Assign any of the above chores, and/or:
Make their bed
Bring in the newspaper or mail
Water plants and flowers
Clear the table
Pull weeds
3) Ages 6 to 9
Middle childhood is an important period of change. By ages six to nine, kids are much more independent. They begin paying more attention to others and start thinking about the future. It’s important to teach young children confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and respect for others at this stage.
Assign any of the above chores, and/or:
Weed and rake leaves
Tidy bedroom
Help make and pack lunch
Put away groceries
Sweep or vacuum floors
Put away own laundry
4) Ages 10 to 13
Kids at the later stage of middle childhood are much more self-aware and independent. As they grow older and prepare for middle school, they may face a lot of changes and pressure. Continue honing their sense of responsibility and working towards goals by assigning the right chores.
Assign any of the above chores, and/or:
Fold and put away laundry
Clean the bathroom or kitchen
Wash the car
Change bedsheets
Clean windows
5) Ages 14 and up
Tweens and teens experience a lot of physical, social, mental, and emotional changes as puberty starts. Be clear about expectations and stick to your rules regarding chores, but also be mindful of your child’s busy schedule. Talk to them about making time for their chores along with studying or participating in after-school activities.
Assign any of the above chores, and/or:
Shop for groceries
Cook a simple meal on their own
Do laundry on their own
Clean the fridge
Do easy home maintenance (replace light bulbs, change air filters, etc.)
6) Extra tips
Remember that these developmental milestones by age are guidelines, not strict rules. Kids mature at their own pace. Some may be ready for more advanced chores at a younger age, while others may need more time.
Stick to your rules. Don’t lose patience and complete your kid’s chores for them if they procrastinate or do them incorrectly.
Give plenty of praise. Encourage your kids to keep doing their chores by giving lots of praise.
Don’t focus on perfection. No one is perfect! If you focus on perfection rather than effort, your kids may start to resent doing their chores.
Track progress with a chart. A calendar, a whiteboard, or a sticker chart can track their chores and completion.
Kids learn independence, basic skills, and responsibility by helping out around the house. Give specific instructions on doing each chore, be consistent with tasks and praise, avoid micromanaging, and don’t insist on perfection. Once kids realize that they can do their chores — and that they’ve done a good job — they’re more likely to stick to their tasks.
7) Want more resources like this?
Sommet Nannies is here to connect families with nannies and other care providers to make sure that kids receive the best care in the Chicago area. We also create a ton of resources for nannies and families alike. Check out our library of resources here!
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