Age-Appropriate Chores Guide
Discover which chores are suitable for your child's age, with safety tips and developmental benefits
Why Age-Appropriate Chores Matter
Assigning chores that match your child's developmental stage is crucial for building confidence and competence. Tasks that are too difficult can lead to frustration, while those that are too easy won't help them grow.
Our guide is based on typical child development milestones, but remember that every child is unique. Use your judgement to adjust tasks based on your child's individual abilities and maturity level.
Key Principles:
- Start with simple tasks and gradually increase complexity
- Always prioritise safety - supervise where necessary
- Be patient and allow time for children to learn
- Praise effort and progress, not just perfect results
- Make chores age-appropriate but still challenging
3-4 years
5 suitable chores • 4 new abilities
New Chores at This Age:
Put toys away
easyPut toys back in their boxes or on shelves
Put dirty clothes in hamper
easyPlace used clothes in the laundry basket
Help set the table
easyPlace napkins or unbreakable items on table
Fill pet's water bowl
easyMake sure pet has fresh water
5-6 years
10 suitable chores • 5 new abilities
New Chores at This Age:
Make bed
easyStraighten sheets and arrange pillows
Clear the table
easyRemove dishes after meals
Feed pet
easyMeasure and give pet food
Water indoor plants
easyGive houseplants water
Sort recycling
easyPut items in correct recycling bins
7-9 years
17 suitable chores • 7 new abilities
New Chores at This Age:
Vacuum own room
mediumUse vacuum cleaner in bedroom
Load dishwasher
mediumPlace dirty dishes in dishwasher properly
Unload dishwasher
mediumPut clean dishes away
Fold own laundry
mediumFold and put away own clothes
Sweep floor
mediumSweep kitchen or other hard floors
Take out rubbish
mediumEmpty indoor bins to outdoor wheelie bin
10-12 years
24 suitable chores • 7 new abilities
New Chores at This Age:
Wash dishes by hand
mediumWash and dry dishes manually
Clean bathroom
hardWipe sink, toilet, and surfaces
Mop floor
mediumMop kitchen or bathroom floor
Prepare simple meal
mediumMake sandwiches or simple snacks with supervision
Mow lawn
hardCut grass with supervision
Wash car
mediumClean exterior of family car
13-15 years
30 suitable chores • 7 new abilities
New Chores at This Age:
Do own laundry
mediumWash, dry, fold and put away own clothes
Cook family meal
hardPrepare complete meal for family
Deep clean room
hardThorough cleaning including under furniture
Babysit younger sibling
hardSupervise younger brother/sister for short periods
Help with grocery shopping
mediumShop for family groceries from list
Garden maintenance
hardWeeding, planting, general garden upkeep
16+ years
32 suitable chores • 2 new abilities
New Chores at This Age:
Run errands
mediumPost office, dry cleaners, etc.
Basic car maintenance
hardCheck oil, tyre pressure, fill washer fluid
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