Age-Appropriate Chores: Complete Guide by Age
What can a 5-year-old really do? What about a 12-year-old? This guide breaks down developmentally appropriate chores for every age with specific task recommendations.
The most common mistake parents make with chores is expecting too much too soon or too little too late. A 3-year-old can't do laundry, but a 12-year-old absolutely can—and should. Matching chores to developmental abilities sets kids up for success.
Important: These are guidelines based on typical development. Your child may be ready for tasks earlier or later. Consider their individual abilities, interests, and any special needs.
2-3 Years
At this age, children want to help and imitate adults. Tasks should be simple, hands-on, and done alongside a parent. Perfection is not the goal—participation is.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Put toys in a bin or basket | 2-5 min |
| Carry dirty clothes to hamper | 1-2 min |
| Help wipe up spills (with guidance) | 2-3 min |
| Put books on low shelf | 2-3 min |
| Help feed pets (pour food with help) | 3-5 min |
| Put napkins on table | 1-2 min |
| Throw away trash items | 1 min |
Tips for 2-3 Years
- Make cleanup a game with songs or timers
- Use bins at child height with picture labels
- Work alongside them, not just supervise
- Celebrate effort, not perfection
4-5 Years
Children can follow 2-3 step instructions and take pride in "real" contributions. They can handle slightly more complex tasks but still need reminders and occasional help.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Make bed (pull up covers) | 3-5 min |
| Set the table (unbreakables) | 3-5 min |
| Clear own dishes after meals | 1-2 min |
| Sort laundry by color | 5-10 min |
| Water plants | 3-5 min |
| Feed pets independently | 3-5 min |
| Pick up toys and belongings | 5-10 min |
| Help put away groceries (light items) | 5-10 min |
| Wipe down surfaces with cloth | 3-5 min |
Tips for 4-5 Years
- Use visual checklists with pictures
- Create consistent routines (morning chores, evening chores)
- Give specific praise: "You put all the forks in the right spot!"
- Expect imperfection—a lumpy bed still counts
6-8 Years
Children can work more independently and handle multi-step tasks. They understand cause and effect and can be held accountable for consistent chore completion.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Make bed properly | 3-5 min |
| Keep bedroom clean | 10-15 min |
| Take out trash | 3-5 min |
| Load/unload dishwasher | 5-10 min |
| Fold simple laundry (towels, underwear) | 10-15 min |
| Vacuum one room | 10-15 min |
| Sweep floors | 10-15 min |
| Pack own lunch | 10-15 min |
| Rake leaves (small area) | 15-20 min |
| Help prepare simple food items | 10-15 min |
| Take care of pet daily needs | 10-15 min |
Tips for 6-8 Years
- Transition from reminders to expectations
- Use chore charts or apps for tracking
- Tie privileges to chore completion
- Teach skills explicitly before expecting independence
9-12 Years
Preteens can handle significant responsibility and learn complex household skills. This is the ideal time to teach tasks they will need as adults.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Clean bathroom (toilet, sink, mirror) | 15-20 min |
| Do laundry start to finish | 30+ min (spread out) |
| Cook simple meals | 20-30 min |
| Mow lawn (with supervision initially) | 30-45 min |
| Vacuum entire house | 20-30 min |
| Wash dishes by hand | 10-15 min |
| Change bed sheets | 10-15 min |
| Clean kitchen (counters, appliances) | 15-20 min |
| Watch younger siblings briefly | varies |
| Organize closets/drawers | 20-30 min |
| Wash car (exterior) | 30-45 min |
Tips for 9-12 Years
- Allow choice in which chores they do
- Set deadlines, not exact times
- Quality standards matter now—teach them
- This is training for independent living
13-17 Years
Teenagers should be capable of nearly any household task. The goal shifts from learning basic skills to taking genuine ownership and contributing meaningfully to family functioning.
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| All cooking and meal prep | varies |
| Deep cleaning tasks | 30-60 min |
| Yard work (all types) | 30-60 min |
| Grocery shopping | 30-60 min |
| Minor home maintenance | varies |
| Watch/care for younger siblings | varies |
| Manage own laundry completely | ongoing |
| Plan and prepare family meals | 30-60 min |
| Run errands | varies |
| Help with home improvement projects | varies |
Tips for 13-17 Years
- Give ownership of entire areas (their bathroom, the garage)
- Connect effort to privileges (car use, spending money)
- Allow natural consequences for forgotten tasks
- Prepare them for college/adult living
Key Principles for All Ages
Teach, Then Expect
Show them how to do it several times before expecting independence
Progress Over Perfection
A lumpy bed made by a 5-year-old is a success
Consistency Builds Habits
Same chores, same time, every day creates automaticity
Match Ability, Not Age
Your child might be ready earlier or later than typical