Chore Lists for Children and Kids by Age [Free Printable Checklist]

At the start of each new year, I like to take a step back and audit our home life, identifying areas where we can grow and improve. In our family, managing the household is a team effort that involves myself, my husband, and all of our children. We rely on daily rhythms, with morning and evening responsibilities forming the foundation of our routine. Each child has a daily chore list, where tasks are outlined and checked off as they’re completed.

Over the years, I’ve seen the profound impact of teaching children about responsibility. Taking the time to involve them not only helps our home run more smoothly but also empowers them with valuable life skills. Rather than shouldering all the responsibilities yourself, inviting your children to actively participate in managing your home fosters teamwork and a sense of shared accomplishment.

In this blog post, I’ll share a comprehensive list of age-appropriate chores for children and practical tips to motivate and encourage them to consistently take part in household responsibilities.

In this blog post:

Setting expectations for chores with a daily rhythm
Best ideas for encouraging children to do chores
Chore lists for children and kids by age [Free Printable Checklist PDF]

Setting expectations for chores with daily rhythm

In my family, we include responsibilities as part of our daily rhythm. Between breakfast and beginning our school day, my children help clear the breakfast table, get dressed, make their beds, brush their teeth, and do a few other various tasks like feeding pets and loading the dishwasher. In the evening, they work through their second chore list of the day which includes a reset after dinner, cleaning up toys and crafts from the day’s play, and getting ready for bed. Having a set rhythm to our home responsibilities sets the tone for expectations.

Related: Overview: Daily Rhythm Bundle

Best ideas for encouraging children to do chores

Every child is different, and there is not a one size fits all approach to teaching chores for children. However, these are some principles I try to remember as I work on this in my home.

Keep tasks simple. Start small, and empower children by showing them they can accomplish small tasks. Teach them small habits or simple chores and build from there. Praise them when they accomplish tasks with focus or independently.
Focus on the habit of obedience. Teaching children habits, life skills, and responsibilities is a way of reinforcing the habit of doing what mom and dad say. As children work to learn and complete chores, encourage and praise them for listening to what you say and completing tasks as needed.
Spend time teaching new chores and responsibilities. Children can learn by watching you, and then you can both work on chores together as they learn. Taking the time to slow down and teach a child how to do small habits is necessary for children to become competent in helping with the home.
Expect their best. Once a child has learned a new skill, they may not do it perfectly, but it is ok to expect their best each time. Setting a standard for excellence will set the stage for learning responsibility throughout life.
Make chores pleasant. Set a timer or turn on favorite music as children work through their chore lists to keep this time fun and lighthearted.

Chore list for children and kids by age [Free Printable Checklist]

Here are 10 age-appropriate chores to teach your children for every age.

Age-appropriate chores for children ages 3-4

Pick up toys and books and put them in designated spots.
Put dirty clothes in a hamper.
Help dress themselves with simple clothing (e.g., socks or pull-on pants).
Wipe down surfaces like tables with a damp cloth.
Set the table (with unbreakable items like napkins or utensils).
Water plants with a small watering can.
Feed pets with pre-portioned food.
Dust low surfaces with a duster or cloth.
Help stir or mix ingredients with supervision.
Carry non-breakable items to the table.

Age-appropriate chores for children ages 5-6

Make their bed (it doesn’t need to be perfect!).
Get dressed on their own, including fastening buttons or zippers.
Brush teeth and hair with reminders.
Put away their own shoes and coat in designated spots.
Empty small trash cans into a larger bin.
Dust furniture or baseboards with a duster or cloth.
Help set the table with plates, napkins, and utensils.
Clear their own dishes from the table after meals.
Help prepare simple meals, like making a sandwich, stirring batter, or cooking eggs.
Help pull weeds or collect leaves into a pile.

Age-appropriate chores for children ages 7-8

Take care of personal hygiene, like brushing teeth and combing hair without reminders.
Organize their room, including tidying up toys, books, and clothes.
Put away laundry in the correct drawers or closets.
Sweep floors with a broom or use a small vacuum.
Help with dusting shelves, picture frames, or other surfaces.
Load and unload the dishwasher, except for sharp or fragile items.
Wipe counters or clean up spills.
Help take out the trash and replace the liner.
Wash dishes by hand with supervision for fragile or sharp items.
Put away groceries in the pantry or fridge.

Age-appropriate chores for children ages 9-10

Prepare simple meals, like making sandwiches, salads, or scrambled eggs.
Follow basic recipes with supervision for safety.
Load and unload the dishwasher, including fragile items.
Wash and dry dishes by hand.
Make shopping lists for things you need.
Rake leaves, shovel snow, or pull weeds without assistance.
Mow the lawn with supervision if they’re strong enough to handle the mower.
Water plants or gardens and check for overwatering.
Help wash and detail the car, including vacuuming the interior.
Start a load of laundry or transfer clothes to the dryer.

Age-appropriate chores for children ages 11-12

Manage their schedule, including keeping track of school work, activities, and chore assignments.
Vacuum or mop floors in larger or high-traffic areas.
Sort, wash, dry, fold, and put away laundry independently.
Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces thoroughly.
Dust furniture, baseboards, and ceiling fans regularly.
Empty and clean trash cans and replace liners.
Clean bathrooms, including sinks, counters, mirrors, and toilets.
Organize common areas, such as living rooms or shared closets.
Clean kitchen counters, stovetops, and tables after cooking or meals.
Water plants, prune small shrubs, or plant flowers in the garden.

Age-appropriate chores for children ages 13-14

Do personal laundry, including washing, drying, folding, and putting it away.
Budget and track allowances or earnings from part-time work or chores.
Grocery shop with a list, comparing prices or checking for items.
Pack school lunches or snacks for themselves and younger siblings.
Wash cars, including vacuuming interiors and cleaning windows.
Help with gardening tasks, like planting, pruning, or harvesting.
Assist with minor outdoor repairs, such as painting fences or organizing tools.
Babysit younger siblings or neighbors’ children for short periods.
Learn basic home maintenance skills, like unclogging drains or tightening screws.
Run errands, such as picking up groceries or small household items (with supervision or transportation).