Kids Chores According to Their Age and Maturity Level

Should kids do chores and at what age should they be doing them?

At what age do you start making your kids do chores or help around the house? As a first-time mom I think I failed on this. Even with my second child we didn’t really have them do chores.

I was in the mindset of doing everything by myself. It’s quicker for me to just do things and get it done,

Even with my fiancé I find myself wanting to do things myself because I might have a little bit of OCD, and I like things a certain way. It’s not that he didn’t want to help or try to help, I would just get anxious watching him do something different then I would do it.

Kids can take forever to do one simple task and all I can do is think about how much faster it’ll get done if I just do it myself.

It can end up being a lot on one person’s shoulders and can quickly be overwhelming.

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Kids need to learn responsibilities.

At some point you have to let go of that mindset of everything needs to be done the way I want it to be done. It doesn’t have to be perfect and there’s no time limit on when it needs to be done, in most cases.

You don’t want your children being raised to think everything is going to just be done for them. That mom will always be there to pick up their things up for them.

You want your kids to grow up into independent adults so when they’re finally ready to buy their own house and start their own families they’re prepared.

If they’re done eating their dishes should go in the sink. They should know how to do laundry, wash, dry and fold. Know when to take the trash out and not leave wrappers and empty bottles laying around.

You’re not just teaching them to pick up after themselves, you’re teaching them that what your work so hard for should be respected.

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What age do you start making kids do chores?

Although we were a little late with the first two, our youngest’s (who are now 6 and 2) know to throw things in the garbage if they need to. They put their dirty dishes in the sink after eating and drinking. They know their dirty clothes go in the hamper when they change into their jammies. And even though it turns into a race to see who can pick up the most toys, they help put toys away at the end of the day.

I wouldn’t say we so much make him, but 2-year-olds are very quick to pick things up. They copy every little thing that you do and speak. They’re very observant. If they see what you or their older siblings are doing, they’re going to want to be just like them and mimic what they’re doing.

Kids as young as 2 should be able to help do little things around the house. They should be able to help put their toys away when they’re done playing. Know where something goes when it’s dirty or needs thrown out. Let them push the sweeper or mop around to think they’re helping clean. Have them watch as you do laundry while they try to throw them in the dryer for you.

It might take a little longer but they’re having fun doing it while learning at the same time.

I put together an age-appropriate chore list that I feel kids should be easily able to do or help with. It might not work for everyone but if they’re watching and trying to help you do household chores, they’re learning.

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Toddlers (Age 2-3)

• Pick up toys
• Put clothes in hamper
• Put dishes in the sink
• Help sweep floors
• Help do laundry

Preschool Age (4-5)

• All toddlers chores
• Help feed animals
• Help take recycling out
• Put clothes away
• Help with setting the table
• Put clothes in washer and help put in dryer
• Help with dusting

Elementary Age (5-10)

• Put toys away when done playing with them
• Set and clear dishes from table
• Help with dishes
• Help carry in groceries
• Help cook meals
• Help with lunch packing
• Clean up messes if they make one

Tweens and Teens (11+)

• All of the above
• Wash, Dry, Fold their own laundry
• Take trash down
• Do Dishes
• Sweep and Mop
• Dust
• Clean bathroom countertops and sinks
• Be able to cook their own food (breakfast, lunch)
• If responsible enough, watch younger siblings for a short period
• Yard Work
• Put groceries away
• Clean their own rooms

Now I’m not saying make your kids do all the household work, so you don’t have to. Let them pick a room or a task or two. Include them in helping you while you’re doing something.

This is just an example of some of the things your child could be doing. It won’t work for everyone, and you can adjust on maturity level of each child.

I try to remember that I want my kids to grow up knowing that we are a family, and everyone can help do what they can to make our home a home.