Age-appropriate chores for kids (3–8 years)

Yes! Your 3-year-old can also do household chores.

You might still think about what your 3-year-old can do around the house to help. Isn’t it too early to hand out a list of chores for kids? But if not now, then at what age should we expect them to do chores? Don’t worry we will talk about all this, plus a perfect chore list for kids

Let us tell you that children can start doing chores as early as 3 years old.¹ Chores also help young children develop self-esteem, responsibility, independence, and management skills—leading them to greater success in school, relationships, and life.¹

We all need to feel needed and know that we’re contributing somehow. Similarly, kids without chores might not feel needed for a chore or feel important in the family.²

Also read: 4 learning benefits of making your kids help with chores

Do’s and don'ts of household chores for kids

Age-appropriate chores for kids (under your supervision)

Chores for 3 to 4-year-olds

Preschool children can handle one-step or two-step jobs. So here are a few chore suggestions:

• Picking up toys and putting them in a box or bin
• Help with filling a pet's water bowl.
• Helping to clear or set the table
• Help load the washer or dryer
• Helping with laundry, like matching socks or folding washcloths 
• Wipe up spills
• Help pick up and organize books or magazines.

Chores for 5 to 6-year-olds

Including the above ones, your child can also do these chores—

• Unload utensils from the dishwasher
• Water house plants
• Dust low furniture with socks on their hands
• Set or clear the table
• Straighten up their beds
• Helping in cooking like washing vegetables, measuring and mixing ingredients
• Help put away groceries or snacks in the pantry
• Bring in mail or newspapers
• Fix a bowl of cereal
• Sort laundry

Chores for 7 to 8-year-olds

• Rake leaves
• Load or unload utensils from the dishwasher
• Replace toilet paper roll
• Weed garden
• Sweep or vacuum small areas
• Walk small dogs
• Take small amount of trash to outdoor garbage can
• Change the sheets or comforters of their bed
• Help make and pack their lunch boxes
• Make easy breakfast dishes like toast
• Bake cookies under supervision
• Keep their room tidy

There might be chores you’re doing around the house that you wouldn’t have thought of letting your child do them because you’re so used to doing everything for your child. So, if there are any other chores you believe will be easier for your child to complete, let them.

Make sure not to overwhelm your child with multiple chores in one day. Start with one chore at a time. Hopefully, the above chore list for kids will help you select an easier chore for kids.

At byjuslearning.com, we provide curriculum-aligned, grade-level learning experiences for kids between ages 4 to 8, helping them build on skills they learn in school. 

Disclaimer: An adult should always be present to monitor and help guide the child. Never leave your child unattended when they are completing their chores. It is your responsibility to determine whether the mentioned activities are appropriate for your child.

References:

1. AACAP. “Chores and Children.” Chores and Children, www.aaca p.org /AACAP / Families_and_ Youth / Facts_for_Families /FFF -Guide /Chores _and_ Children-125 .aspx #:~: text =Chores %20 are %20 routine % 20but % 20necessary , as% 20early% 20as % 20age %203 . Accessed 13 Dec. 2022. 

2. “Age-Appropriate Chores for Children: Chore Ideas and Allowances.” WebMD, 17 Mar. 2022, www.webmd .com /parenting /features /chores -for- children.