Age Appropriate Chores

[mami_chilena]

Age Appropriate Chores

By Angie ~ Many Little Blessings on October 11, 2008

A Child Age 2 - 3 Can:

• Help make the bed
• Pick up toys and books
• Take laundry to laundry room
• Help feed pets
• Help wipe up messes
• Dust with an old sock on their hands

Notes about this age:

• Excited to help
• Needs complete supervision
• Needs help laying the groundwork

A Child Age 4 - 5 Can:

• Clear and set the table
• Dust
• Help prepare food (example: add ingredients, stir)
• Carry in groceries and put some away

Notes about this age:

• No constant supervision needed
• Feels independent

Children Ages 6 - 8 Can:

• Be responsible for a pet
• Vacuum and mop
• Take out trash and replace bag
• Fold and put away laundry

Notes about this age:

• Feels very independent
• Not as excited to help you

Children Ages 9 - 12 Can:

• Help wash the car
• Wash dishes
• Help prepare simple meals
• Clean the bathroom
• Rake leaves and shovel snow
• Operate the washer or dryer

Notes about this age:

• Crave continuity
• Need well defined consequences
• Need to feel they have input

Children Ages 13 - 17 Can:

• Replace light bulbs and vacuum bags
• Laundry
• Wash windows
• Clean out refrigerator and other appliances
• Prepare meals
• Prepare grocery list
• Driving teens can do the grocery shopping

Notes about this age:

• Need consideration for their time
• Manage their expectations
• Appreciate affirmation
• Need to hear they’re capable

Remember that every child is unique. Some children just may not be at a certain point by a certain age. These are just generalizations.

(This information is from an unsourced handout received at a church function.)

Angie can be found writing at Many Little Blessings, where she is glad that you can’t really see her house to see that our chores are not yet done.