All the Chores Your Kids Should Do, by Age Group

Not only do chores help kids learn responsibility and give parents some help around the house, but they’ve also been shown to make children happier and more successful. But how do you know which chores are appropriate for your six-year-old? And is it too ambitious to ask your two-year-old to feed the cat? (Answer: No.) Enter this handy to-do list.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Get Your Kids to Actually Do Their Chores

mediaphotos/Getty Images

Ages 2 To 3

Pick up their toys
Take dirty laundry to laundry basket
Help fill pet’s food bowl with food
Clean up spills (with parent’s help)
Help make bed (at least pull the covers up)

Jupiterimages/Getty Images

Ages 4 To 5

Separate white from dark laundry (and match socks after clothing is washed)
Dust surfaces
Water plants
Sweep floor with small broom
Help to set and clear the table

monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images

Ages 6 To 7

Make their bed
Help make packed lunch
Fold laundry
Vacuum rooms
Unload dishwasher (giving items that they can’t reach to a parent)

Mkovalevskaya/Getty Images

Ages 8 To 9

Load dishwasher
Rake leaves
Put laundry away
Put groceries away
Take trash cans to the curb

Imgorthand/Getty Images

Ages 10 To 12

Mop floors
Cook simple meals with supervision
Strip and change bedsheets
Wash and clean the car
Clean toilets

HASLOO/Getty Images

Ages 13 And Up

Wash basic laundry
Make dinner alone
Iron clothes
Wash first-floor windows
Start the dishwasher

All Topics

Company

Legal

family

These Are the Chores Your Kids Should Do, by Age Group