Why Chore Charts for Kids are Helpful

A chore chart helps to instill a sense of responsibility, enhances organizational skills, and boosts kids' self-esteem as they see their contributions valued. Research from Harvard University shows that kids who engage in household chores are more likely to succeed and experience happiness in adulthood. Moreover, involving kids in chores can positively impact parents' mental health and promote family bonding by sharing the household workload.

Little ones will love earning stickers or check marks on their chore chart whenever they complete household tasks.

How to Make Chore Charts Work

How many of us have created a chore chart that withered on the vine (or refrigerator)? According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the key to getting kids to do regular chores over the long term is to set "clear and reasonable expectations" from the get-go. Some other tips:

Be Specific About Tasks

Instead of saying "clean your room," spell out what that entails, such as "make your bed" and "put your clothes in the hamper."

Be Consistent

Changing rules and expectations week to week can create confusion and frustration, says the AACAP.

Be Positive

Even teenagers appreciate "sticker charts" or reward systems that can earn them spending cash or certain privileges. But praise and heartfelt "thank yous" often mean more to kids than parents think.

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Toddlers can handle basic tasks like brushing their teeth, putting away toys, and matching socks.

Age-Appropriate Chores for Toddlers

Toddlers can start learning about responsibility through simple, manageable tasks. Here are some age-appropriate chores for toddlers:

• Get dressed
• Brush teeth
• Make bed/pull up covers
• Put toys in bins
• Put dirty clothes in the hamper
• Put clean clothes away
• Sort unmatched socks
• Stack books on a bookshelf
• Set the table
• Clean/gather sticks from the yard

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Put kindergartners in charge of feeding the family pets.

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kindergartners

Kindergartners can take on more tasks and help with basic household duties. Consider these chores:

• Carry family members' hampers to the laundry area
• Sweep floors
• Wipe doorknobs and faucets with disinfecting wipes
• Dust tabletops
• Clear the table after dinner
• Put utensils away
• Empty small wastebaskets
• Pull weeds
• Feed pets

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Teach school-age children how to load the dishwasher. 

Age-Appropriate Chores for 6- to 9-Year-Olds

School-age children can handle a variety of tasks that may require more responsibility. These chores include:

• Vacuum floors with a handheld vacuum
• Help with meal preparation
• Wipe tables and counters
• Load and unload the dishwasher
• Pack lunch for school
• Bring in and sort mail
• Make the bed
• Pull weeds
• Feed pets

Age-Appropriate Chores for Tweens

Kids ages 10 to 12 can manage more complex chores, with an emphasis on safety:

• Put away their laundry
• Wash and dry dishes, pots, and pans
• Mop/Swiffer floors
• Sweep out the garage and walkways
• Vacuum rugs
• Carry in and put away groceries
• Empty and take out the kitchen trash and recycling
• Organize pantry items
• Walk pets
• Pick up dog waste/clean cat litter

Age-Appropriate Chores for Teens

Teens are capable of doing most tasks adults would do, especially if they are driving. Withholding privileges if chores aren't done is fair game, but consider rewards for finishing chores, too.

• Do own laundry
• Change own bed sheets
• Wash car
• Babysit younger siblings
• Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator
• Wipe down the inside of the microwave
• Go grocery shopping
• Fill cars with gas (if driving)
• Rake leaves
• Mow the lawn
• Bathe/groom pets

Additional reporting by Nicole O'Donnell

All photos are courtesy of Canva.