Age-Appropriate Chores By Age – Free Printable Lists

Wondering what chores kids can do by age? Here’s a complete list of age-appropriate chore ideas for toddlers, preschoolers, school-age kids, tweens, and teens.

Teaching children to help around the house isn’t just about getting chores done—it’s about helping them become confident, responsible, and independent.

The best chores for kids depend on their age, maturity, and abilities. Even toddlers can start helping with simple tasks, while teenagers can take on many of the same household responsibilities as adults.

Below you’ll find age-appropriate chore ideas for every stage, from toddlers to teens.

And don’t worry—your child doesn’t need to do every chore on these lists.

They’re simply ideas to help you choose what works best for your family.

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Chore Ideas for Toddlers (Ages 2–3)

Toddlers love copying the adults around them, making this the perfect time to introduce simple chores and everyday routines.

Praise their effort more than the result—encouragement builds confidence and a willingness to help.

Chore ideas include:

• Put toys away
• Put books on the bookshelf
• Put shoes away
• Throw trash away
• Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket
• Put dirty dishes in the sink
• Bring diapers or wipes
• Help feed pets (with supervision)
• Help water plants
• Wipe small spills
• Help wipe the table after meals
• Help put clothes in the washing machine
• Carry light, non-breakable groceries
• Dust low furniture with a microfiber cloth

Praise their effort more than the result.

Chores for Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)

Preschoolers can begin completing simple chores with less help while continuing to build confidence and independence.

Ideas include:

• Make their bed
• Brush their teeth with supervision
• Put dirty clothes in the hamper
• Choose tomorrow’s clothes
• Set the table
• Clear their plate
• Feed pets
• Water plants
• Match socks
• Fold washcloths
• Put clean clothes away
• Organize books and toys
• Dust low furniture
• Wipe bathroom counters
• Help unpack groceries
• Put away silverware
• Help sort recycling
• Help make simple snacks
• Straighten pillows and cushions

Chores for Kids Ages 6–7

School-age children can begin to handle more responsibility and complete chores with less supervision.

Chore ideas include:

• Sweep small areas
• Vacuum rooms
• Empty small trash cans
• Put dishes in the dishwasher
• Empty the dishwasher (non-breakable items)
• Fold laundry
• Clean their bedroom
• Pack their school bag
• Put away sports equipment
• Remember library books
• Help make lunch
• Make a simple breakfast
• Wash fruits and vegetables
• Peel vegetables with a child-safe peeler
• Water outdoor plants
• Help rake leaves
• Help wash the car
• Clean mirrors

Chores for Kids Ages 8–9

Many children this age can complete chores independently and take ownership of regular household tasks.

Ideas include:

• Pack their lunch
• Prepare their clothes for the next day
• Vacuum rooms
• Mop floors
• Take trash outside
• Load the dishwasher
• Unload the dishwasher
• Wash dishes by hand
• Clean kitchen counters
• Clean bathroom sink
• Clean their bathroom
• Change their bed sheets
• Sort laundry by colors
• Clean inside the microwave
• Replace toilet paper rolls
• Help cook simple meals
• Make their own breakfast and lunch
• Pull weeds
• Walk the dog (with an adult or independently, depending on the dog’s size, temperament, and local safety)

Chores for Tweens (Ages 10–12)

Tweens can begin managing more complex household tasks and developing practical life skills.

Possible chores include:

• Manage homework schedule
• Keep bedroom tidy without reminders
• Pack for sleepovers
• Do laundry
• Clean bathrooms
• Vacuum the entire house
• Prepare simple dinners
• Bake simple recipes
• Wash windows
• Clean refrigerator shelves
• Clean kitchen appliances
• Wash the car
• Organize the garage
• Care for pets independently
• Help care for younger siblings (if mature)
• Mow the lawn (if age-appropriate and safe)
• Shovel snow
• Change light bulbs (where safe)
• Pack for family trips

Chores for Teens (Ages 13+)

Teenagers are capable of doing nearly every household chore and should continue building the life skills they’ll use as adults.

Chore ideas for teens include:

• Manage personal schedule
• Keep track of appointments
• Budget allowance
• Refill toiletries when needed
• Grocery shopping
• Cook family meals
• Meal prep
• Laundry from start to finish
• Deep clean bathrooms
• Deep clean the kitchen
• Change bed linens
• Clean out the refrigerator
• Yard work
• Budget grocery spending
• Compare grocery prices
• Help younger siblings
• Run household errands
• Maintain family pets
• Basic sewing (such as sewing on a button or repairing a small tear)
• Help with basic home maintenance (such as changing air filters or checking smoke alarm batteries with an adult)

These are valuable life skills they’ll use for years to come.

Blank Chore Ideas List

Need a place to brainstorm chores for your child?

This blank chore ideas list lets you create a personalized list that fits your child’s age, abilities, and your family’s routines.

Use it to write down daily, weekly, or seasonal chores, or create a custom chore list that grows with your child.

DOWNLOAD: Blank Chore Ideas List

Related post: Printable Chore Charts for Kids – 18 Cute Free Templates

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Why Should Kids Do Chores?

Giving children chores offers much more than a cleaner home.

Regular chores help kids:

• build responsibility
• develop independence
• learn valuable life skills
• improve confidence
• understand teamwork
• prepare for adulthood

Children often love feeling trusted and capable. When chores match their age and abilities, they can even become something they feel proud of.

5 Tips for Making Chores Easier

Here are 5 tips to make chores easier for kids.

1. Start small

One or two chores are plenty when introducing new routines.

2. Be consistent

A few chores every week work better than many chores once in a while.

3. Make expectations clear

Children are more successful when they know exactly what’s expected.

4. Praise effort

Focus on progress rather than perfection.

5. Use a chore chart

A printable chore chart gives kids a visual reminder of what needs to be done and lets them enjoy checking off completed tasks.

Related Post: Printable Chore Charts for Kids – 18 Cute Free Templates

Should Kids Be Paid for Chores?

Every family handles this differently.

Some parents choose to pay an allowance for extra chores, while others believe household chores are simply part of being a family.

There’s no single right answer.

Many families use a combination:

• Everyday chores are expected.
• Extra jobs can earn money.

Choose the approach that works best for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should kids start doing chores?

Many experts recommend introducing simple chores around age two. At this stage, children can begin helping to put toys away, throwing trash in the bin, or feeding pets with supervision.

How many chores should a child have?

Quality is more important than quantity. One or two consistent chores are often better than a long list that becomes overwhelming.

Should siblings have the same chores?

Not necessarily. Chores should match each child’s age, abilities, and maturity level.

Are chore charts effective?

Yes! Chore charts help children build routines, encourage independence, and make expectations clear. They can also make chores feel more rewarding by letting kids track their progress.

Free Printable Chore Charts

Looking for a cute way to keep everyone on track?

I’ve created 18 free printable chore charts in adorable SaturdayGift designs. They’re perfect for toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens, with plenty of space to customize chores for your family.

Every child develops at their own pace, so don’t worry about checking every box on these lists. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s helping your child build confidence, responsibility, and lifelong skills one small chore at a time.

Start with one or two age-appropriate tasks, celebrate the little wins, and watch those small daily habits grow into valuable life skills.

Happy parenting!

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