New parent? Seasoned parent running low on creativity? This post has plenty of chore ideas for kids by age to do with parents to get you started or help you get out of that chore-assigning rut.
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Rough Days
Several years have passed since that day about which I wrote in this post. As of 2023, my oldest is long potty-trained, my toddler just celebrated her thirteenth birthday, and my baby is in 7th grade. As a matter of fact, we have gained two more little ones since then. They are eight and five! It’s been a long time.
And yet, those days still come on a semi-regular basis. I still have days (far too many, I’m afraid!) in which I feel like I just won’t be able to make it to bedtime. The children are older, the struggles are different, but the problem is still the same. How can I chase down those ever-so-fleeting moments and make them count when I am having a hard time just staying afloat?
How can I take time out to teach, train, mold, and even enjoy these precious little people of mine when I can’t even get the laundry done? When the same dishes have been piled in the sink for days? Or when my two year old is making mess after mess and gobbling down all the secret stashes of chocolate in the house he can find?
I’ve learned a lot through the years (though some lessons are not as easily applied as others). I’ve got a great post on teaching life skills to big kids over here. I don’t have it down by any means, but I want you to know that you are not alone in the daily struggle that is parenting. We are in this together, my friend!
Chore Ideas for Kids by Age
Toddler
- Pick up shoes
- Gather books
- Put toys away
- Clean up dog toys
- Throw wet clothes in dryer
- Put trash/recycling in can
- Put dirty clothes in hamper
- Wash dishes with soap and water
Preschooler
- Put books on shelf
- Water plants
- Feed pets, especially dogs and cats
- Separate laundry
- Fold towels, socks, pants
- Put clothes on hangers
- Wash windows and mirrors
- Put clean silverware away
- Disinfect doorknobs and remotes
- Set the table
Elementary Aged
- Load/unload dishwasher
- Dust large furniture
- Gather/take out trash
- Sweep/vacuum/mop
- Feed all pets
- Organize bookshelves
- Fold laundry
- Unload/put away groceries
- Help with cooking
- Make beds
- Dust blinds
Preteen/Teen
- Yard work
- Dust knick knacks and hard to reach areas
- Clean bathroom
- All laundry
- Iron
- Bathe pets
- Dust cobwebs from ceiling and walls
- Clean ceiling fans
- Watch younger siblings
- Cook meals
- Change sheets
These lists are nowhere near exhaustive. But they should help to get you started in thinking through age appropriate chores for kids. Doing chores teach kids important life skills as well as how to care for the home. Everyone can and should take part in the responsibility of keeping the family home tidy and in good condition.
So here’s my challenge today:
Include your child(ren) in a task.
If there’s a chore that needs doing (and when is there ever not?), grab your kids and do it together, no matter their age.
- Wrap your baby and sing while you work
- Play a game of servants in the castle with your 3 year old
- Set a timer and race to clean with your 5 year old
- Teach (patiently!) your 7 year old how to do the task well
- Engage your 10+ year old in meaningful conversation while you work
- Challenge your preteen/teen to a competition to see who can get their task done the quickest
Here’s the caveat: No fussing allowed. It doesn’t have to be done perfectly. The point is doing it together. You can turn any chore into quality time through singing with the littlest, pretending with the slightly older, and talking with even the biggest. Keep your words light and encouraging. I bet you’ll find that even the most mundane of chores has become much more enjoyable! Check out the post How to Get Kids to Do Chores for more inspiration on helping your kids learn responsibility in a fun way.
One chore is done. One moment has been caught. The relationship has been strengthened. Hearts have been connected. Keep chasing those moments, friend!
I’d love to share with you the customizable chore chart that I use with my kids. I love having something ready that has their responsibilities listed out for them. And something about seeing it on paper makes my kids take it more seriously. You can purchase the download here! Or find all of my books, resources, and downloadable products over in the Chasing Those Moments Shop.
Need help coming up with chore ideas for kids? The posts Involve Kids In Daily Tasks and Chores and How to Get Kids to Do Chores have plenty of ideas for different age groups!
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Will you take this challenge with me? Do you have any tried and true ways you have been able to chase the moment while doing chores with your kids? I’d love to read your answers in the comments!
