Chores by Age: What Kids Can Actually Do, Ages 2–14
An important part of what we teach our children is the care for our home and belongings. In my Waldorf preschool program, we worked together on chores each day. Parents often ask me what chores are appropriate for their child. I compiled this list so you could begin to consider how your children might help out around the home.
Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
- Put toys away
- Put dirty clothes into hamper
- Dust
- Mop
- Stack books on shelf
- Throw trash away
- Carry small pieces of firewood
- Fold washcloths
- Help make bed (with parent help)
Preschooler (Ages 4-5)
- Toddler chores plus...
- Make bed alone
- Help clear table
- Help wash dishes
- Put away utensils & dishes
- Water plants
- Sort laundry
- Fold laundry
- Wipe off counters
- Wipe up spills
- Straighten Bedroom
- Prepare simple snacks
- Weed garden
Early Elementary Ages (Ages 6-9)
- Toddler and preschool chores plus...
- Sweep
- Vacuum
- Put away laundry
- Match clean socks
- Rake the yard
- Put away groceries
- Empty dishwasher
Middle Years (Ages 10-13)
- Toddler, preschool, and early elementary chores plus...
- Wash car
- Prepare meals
- Wash clothes--using washer & dryer
- Take out trash & recycling
Older Children & High Schoolers (Ages 14+)
- Toddler, preschool, early elementary, and middle-year chores plus...
- Mowing and weed eating
- Most all adult chores
Want more resources on tidying up with young children? Check out these other resources:
I encourage you to check out the video I did, "Five Ingredients to Encourage Children to Tidy-Up"
Using story is a fantastic way to help encourage children to tidy. I have used an adapted version of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter to help encourage children to tidy. You can watch the puppet show for free on our website.
