Age Appropriate Chores

It is during the summer months that I assign chores to each of the kids and train them how to properly do their chores. They then keep those chores during the next "school" year so it flows more smoothly by having the chore training done before the usual busyness and readjusting that comes with a new school year. 


Initially, I just made a list of all the chores that needed to be done in our home. Every summer then, I evaluate who is best equipped to do which chores, (based on age and maturity) some of which I reserve for myself depending on the maturity levels of the kids at the time. I then do the chores with each child to explain how I want it done. Kids don't just automatically know what you expect of them, so we do it together for a few times until I feel they understand how to do it properly. Then after they begin doing it on their own, I will check up on how it's been done. Maybe I missed explaining an important piece of information, so if it's not done right, I have them watch me one more time. Inspections need to be done on a regular basis though, and sometimes I may need to call them back to complete it thoroughly. If you end up having to interrupt them when they are doing something fun in their free time to come back and do it correctly, they will learn to do it right the first time!

 I have been asked by moms to share with you my list of chores. I will give a rough idea of what ages are able to do which chores, but that is very dependent on each individual child, so you will have to evaluate that separately for each child. Note that any child can do the chores that younger kids can do, so don't hold to the age suggested very tightly.

Another tip: Often the older kids can help train the younger. When Nate and Josh had the job of cleaning the bathrooms, I told them if they could train Matt and Emily to do it properly, next year it would Matt and Emily's job. They were very motivated to train them correctly!!


Here's our list to help you out based on some of the needs we have had over the years. Your's will be unique to your situation. 


~Marilyn
Chores 2-5 year olds can do:

wall washing
cleaning base boards
cleaning door knobs
feed animals
dusting louvered doors with feather duster
clean leather furniture with leather wipes

Chores for 6 years and older

dusting
vacuuming
sweeping
mopping
wipe table and counters
wash dishes or load dishwasher
dry dishes of unload dishwasher and put away
empty trash
organize bookcases
clean up after the dog
clean cobwebs
vacuum furniture
dust blinds
wash windows
clean fireplace doors
organize telephone book drawer
straighten cabinets
straighten linen closet
fold laundry- put away
pick up yard
upkeep of flower beds- pick dead heads off flowers, water, weed, etc
clean car

8 years and up

clean car
mow
clean shed
clean ashes out of wood stove
bring wood to wood pile
bake bread
make breakfast muffins
make lunch
plan meals
watch baby while you are busy in the house
do fun projects with little ones