A Guide to Chore Lists For Kids By Age

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist 

There has been quite a lot of debate about what household chores are age-appropriate for children…especially since the Flander’s Family list (see below) has been doing the rounds on Facebook. This has led parents to question whether our children should really be required to do that much manual labour and whether it is safe for them to be handling disinfectant and other chemicals, and whether a 12 year old should really be able to “cook a complete dinner”.

 Source: Flanders Family

On the other hand, some parents have chimed in saying that their children have been quite capable of completing what’s on that list- and then some! Whether the Montessori chart is for your family or not, we’ve compiled a few chores by age appropriateness that you might want to try out at home.

Ages 2-3 years

• Help you unpack the groceries
• Pass you items you require when in the kitchen
• Pack their toys away
• Put their own rubbish in the bin
• Help feed the pets
• Help set the table

Ages 4-7 years

• Pack and unpack their school bag
• Help load/unload dishwasher (nothing sharp)
• Light sweeping or dusting
• Fold clothes and put laundry into proper places
• Clear the table

Ages 7-10 years

• Help with simple cooking/food prep
• Raking leaves in the garden
• Taking out the rubbish
• Bring in the mail
• Wipe surfaces like the kitchen counter
• Clean bedroom
• Help wash the car or pets

Ages 11 years +

• Floor mopping
• Vacumming
• Handwash dishes
• Walk dog
• Make/pack own school lunch
• Helping more with cooking/food prep

Anything you think is too advanced or not advanced enough? Any awesome chore ideas? Share in the comments below!

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