Chores for All Ages
It may seem odd to connect vacuuming the living room and loading the dishwasher to self-confidence, but it is true! Research shows that giving children opportunities to struggle, manage their time, and be accountable to others are some of the most effective ways to build self-confidence.
Use this list of chores as your jumping-off point for helping your children develop and master the skills they’ll rely on as they grow up.
Ages 2–4
Pick up unused toys and put in the proper place
Put books and magazine in a rack or basket
Sweep the floor
Place napkins, plates, and silverware on the table
Clean up what they drop after eating.
Choose between two foods at breakfast. Learn to make simple decisions
Toilet training
Clear own place at table. Put dishes on the counter after cleaning leftovers off the plate
Simple hygiene—brush teeth, wash and dry hands and face, and brush hair
Undress self; dress with some help
Wipe up own accidents
Carry boxed or canned goods from the grocery sacks to the proper shelf
Ages 4–5
Spread peanut butter on sandwiches
Take clothing out of the dryer
Play without constant adult supervision and attention
Tell parent whereabouts before going out to play
Get the mail
Share toys with friends (practice courtesy)
Help with mixing foods
Make a simple dessert, e.g., pour toppings on ice cream
Help parent prepare plates of food for the family dinner
Prepare cold cereal
Dust the furniture
Set the table
Help do the dishes or fill the dishwasher
Help make the beds and vacuum
Help do yard and garden work
Follow a schedule for feeding pets
Clean dirty shoes
Help parent with grocery shopping
Put the groceries away
Ages 5–6
Clean mirrors and windows
Learn to tie shoes
Feed pets and clean their living area
Decide how to spend own share of the family entertainment fund
Take out the garbage
Help clean out the car
Pay for small purchases
Fold clean clothes and put them away
Separate clothing for washing
Help with the meal planning and grocery shopping
Scrub the sink, toilet, and bathtub
Dress on own and choose outfit for the day
Make bed and clean room
Put certain ingredients into a recipe
Tear up lettuce for a salad
Prepare the dinner table
Pour own drink
Make own sandwich or simple breakfast; then clean up
First Grade
Keep the garbage container clean
Clean out inside of car
Straighten or clean out silverware drawer
Shake rugs
Water plants and flowers
Peel vegetables
Cook simple foods
Prepare own school lunch
Load and unload dryer
Fold simple articles of clothing
Hang own clothes in the closet
Rake leaves and weed
Take pet for a walk
Care for own minor injuries
Second Grade
Care for bicycle
Run errands for parents
Sweep and/or wash patio or deck area
Water the lawn
Groom pets
Carry in the grocery sacks
Get self up in the morning and go to bed at night on own
Learn to be polite, courteous, and to share; respect others
Carry own lunch money and notes back to school
Leave the bathroom in order
Wash down walls and scrub floor
Third Grade
Sew buttons
Clean patio furniture
Feed a younger sibling
Help with cleaning the refrigerator
Write thank-you notes
Help write simple letters
Paint a fence or shelves
Pick fruit off trees
Cut flowers and make a centerpiece
Begin to read recipes and cook for the family
Clean up animal messes in the yard and house
Fold blankets and towels
Change school clothes without being told
Shop for and select own clothing and shoes with guidance from parent
Straighten own closet and drawers
Fold napkins and set table properly
Help others with their work when asked
Run own bath water or take shower unassisted
Help rearrange furniture. Help plan the layout
Clean the blinds
Mop the floor
Fourth Grade
Pour and make simple drinks
Wash the family car
Learn banking and to be thrifty and trustworthy
Do chores without reminders
Sew, knit, or weave
Do neighborhood chores
Simple first aid
Plan own birthday
Wait on guests
Receive and answer own mail
Prepare a simple family meal
Prepare a dessert using a mix
Change sheets and put dirty sheets in hamper or laundry basket
Cross streets unassisted
Buy groceries using a list and comparative shopping
Measure detergent
Operate the washer and dryer
Fifth Grade
Be alone at home for short periods
Handle sums of money up to $25
Exhibit proper conduct when staying overnight with a friend
Pack own suitcase
Be responsible for personal hobby
Handle self properly in public places alone or with peers
Sixth Grade
Take responsibility as a leader
Put siblings to bed and help them dress
Clean pool and pool area
Respect others’ property
Run own errands
Mow lawn with supervision
Help parent build things and do family errands
Schedule her/himself time for studies
Buy own sweets or treats
Be responsible for small paid jobs
Join outside organizations
Do school assignments without reminders
Seventh Grade & Beyond
Determine how late to stay up during the week
Determine how late to stay out forevening activities, through mutual parent-child discussion and agreement
Responsibility for preparing family meals occasionally
Social awareness: good health, exercise, necessary rest, nutritious food
Be responsible for and make own decisions about hygiene and grooming without reminders: combing hair, brushing teeth, flossing, trimming nails, etc.
Anticipate the needs of others and initiate the appropriate action
Acceptance of capabilities and limitations
Self-respect for individual worth
Responsibility for one’s decisions
Mutual respect, loyalty and honesty in the family