Toddlers
Chores: Age-Appropriate Chores

Each child has his own timetable, so ages are suggested and approximate. Ages given are on the early side; for boys, who mature more slowly, add six months to ages given.

2 years:

Getting diaper for self or new baby
Picking up small items from floor
Putting away toys

3 years:

Pouring measured items into mixing bowl
Help weed the yard

4 years:

Help with dusting
Sorting recyclables
Put clothes away in their room
Fold napkins for dinner

5 years:

Dusting lower shelves
Emptying small trash cans
Helping set table
Making bed
Setting table
Feeding pets
General straightening of rooms

6 years:

Unload dishwasher
Feeding baby
Clearing table
Weed on their own
General folding laundry

7 years:

Vacuuming
Loading dishwasher
Sweeping floor
Unload groceries

8 years:

 Washing pans
Cleaning bathrooms
Beginning cooking skills
Sewing buttons
Reading to younger siblings
Cleaning baseboards
Water the plants

9–10 years:

Changing baby's diapers
Washing car
Cleaning windows
Yard work—raking, planting|
Taking out trash

11–12 years:

Yard work—mowing
Babysitting for short periods
Laundry

13–14 years:

Babysitting
Yard work—edging, trimming
Cooking on their own
Household maintenance—painting, repairs

At this age, the child should be able to learn any housekeeping skill, as long as you are willing to teach him. Certain skills, such as ironing, mowing lawn, and babysitting for siblings depend on maturity level and/or family circumstances. Parents know best.

Used with permission of Barbara Curtis.

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