Years ago, I received a great list of chore ideas for different aged children, as well as some sidenotes of what to expect from them about chores as various points in their lives.
I thought this would be a fun one to pass along. (There is no source listed on this handout at all, so I don’t know who to credit for it.)
Oh, but before I begin, remember that every child is unique. Some children just may not be at a certain point by a certain age. These are just generalizations.
Ages 2 – 3
Chore Ideas:
*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
*Laying the groundwork
Ages 4 – 5
Chore Ideas:
*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
*Feeling independent
Ages 6 – 8
Chore Ideas:
*Be responsible for a pet
*Vacuum and mop
*Take out trash and replace bag
*Fold and put away laundry
Notes about this age:
*Feeling very independent
*Not as excited to help you
Ages 9 – 12
Chore Ideas:
*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
Ages 13 – 17
Chore Ideas:
*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
(Though this is it’s first time as a WFMW post, this post was previously published at Many Little Blessings in September 2008. Because this posting on my own blog brought up questions about allowance, you can read our thoughts on allowance at my blog.)
For more great tips, tricks, and ideas, please check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer!
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You can visit Angie at her virtual home, Many Little Blessings, which is good, because then you can’t see how cluttered her real home may or may not be
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
These are great!! I’m a firm believer in chores. Now that mine is a tween, we battle a bit, but she gets it done or loses a privelege. Makes kids more responsible!!
Oh yea, I’m showing this to my kids! :)
Confessions of an Apron Queen
Great list! My 8-year-old daughter recently told me that she likes to clean the bathroom…because she get to use the “fancy stuff”. You know, like a toilet brush and cleaners! LOL
I’m sure not complaining though. :)
Great list! I have been struggling on the expectations to place upon my 9 year old son. Thanks!!
Chel
A lot of people in my family disagree with me when I say that a 2 and 3 year old can help around the house. You would not believe how many times I have heard that “those babies are too young to be doing that”. You know what? I am so glad to have come across this post. I believe that when you tell a toddler to help out around the house doing small things, it makes them feel important and included. I am printiing this out.
We have chores around here for my 4 and 8 year old. I have a set of popsicle sticks in a can with their responsibilties written on them and when they finish they move the stick to the “completed” can and can see how much or how little they’ve accomplished for the day. All sticks have to be moved by the end of the day…it’s great and I don’t have to constantly be saying “have you done (blank)” I look at the can and may comment “I see you haven’t made your bed” yet…it’s more of a comment (that actually reminds them) without harping…
When speaking of the 2/3 year old age, I used to have clip art or magazine pictures on an index card (same premise as the sticks)…she had 3 cards and she just looked at the picture for what needed to be done…(pick up toys, etc.)