Involving children in household chores from a young age is a great way to instil good cleaning habits for when they are older in life. Giving them the independence to clean up after themselves while teaching them cleaning skills shows them how to be responsible and gives them important life skills for when they leave the nest.
Deciding what chores are appropriate to involve your child in depending on their age can be a confusing task, so we’re here to help.
Below, we’ve shared some ideas of age-appropriate chores your little ones can help out with. Every child has a different maturity level and ability, but these suggestions should help give you an idea of what your child can do to help you around the house.
Toddlers
Pick up their toys & put them back in their place when they’ve finished playing with them.
Put shoes away when they take them off.
Place books back on the shelf after storytime.
Help put things away in the kitchen/ living room. Eg. Put the TV remote on the coffee table.
4-5 year olds
Help to make bed. Eg. Put pillows where they’re supposed to be.
Help with watering plants.
Put clothes in the laundry basket.
Wipe or mop up small spills with supervision.
Put cutlery away when they've been washed after dinner (not sharp knives).
6-9 year olds
Make their own bed.
Pair socks together after they’ve been washed.
Sweep floors around the house.
Wipe down the kitchen table and other household surfaces.
Set the dining table before dinner.
10-12 year olds
Vacuum and mop the floors around the house.
Fold and put away laundry.
Take bins out.
Wash the family car.
Put food shopping away.
Wash-up and dry-up after a meal.
Teenagers
Help prepare meals and make their own school lunches.
Help look after younger siblings.
Keep their bedroom clean and organised independently.
Clean other rooms in the house. Eg. bathroom
Care for pets by feeding and walking them.
Do laundry on their own.
Help with gardening.
Clean windows.
