When it comes to responsibilities for kids at home many things have changed since I was a kid. When my generation was growing up most kids learned to cook, clean, tidy up after themselves, manage their own schedules and more. Today, many kids are living in the “age of entitlement” where very few responsibilities fall on them, and many don’t know how to complete the simplest of household chores.
Teaching responsibility to kids by assigning them age-appropriate chores helps to build independence, a sense of self and prepares them for what lies ahead.
We encourage you to use this great FREE PRINTABLE to help kids become more responsible at home.
Discuss with your children some tasks they can help with on a daily basis and add these to the chart. Be sure to review this with the kids, confirm the expectations, and get their commitment.
Here are some age-appropriate tasks or “chores” as suggestions:
Toddler (2-3)
- Put dirty clothes in laundry basket
- Help set the table for meals
- Tidy toys after playing
Ages 4-5
- Put toys away when finished
- Make their bed
- Clear dishes after meals
- Prepare snacks/drinks
- Feed pets
Ages 6-7
- Fold laundry
- Dust bedroom
- Help prepare meals (with assistance)
- Pack school lunches and backpack
- Yard work (with assistance)
Ages 8-11
- Load and unload the dishwasher
- Operate laundry (with assistance)
- Clean bedroom
- Help put away groceries
- Walk and care for pets
- Make school lunches
Ages 12 +
- Clean bathrooms
- Vacuum
- Prepare a meal
- Look after younger siblings
- Clean floors and surfaces
- Do laundry from start to finish