Chores for kids by age: an age-appropriate list
Children can help around the house from a surprisingly young age. NHS Tayside’s occupational therapy service suggests toddlers of 2 to 3 can put toys in a box and dirty clothes in the laundry basket, 4 to 5 year olds can make the bed and tidy their room, and 6 to 7 year olds can fold towels and match socks. Here’s the full age-by-age list, plus how to make chores stick.
General parenting tips from UK public-sector and charity sources, not medical or professional advice. Every child is different; if you’re worried about your child’s behaviour or development, talk to your health visitor or GP.
Before you start: help first, hand over later
NHS Tayside’s leaflet says children benefit from you helping and working alongside them to learn a chore before you decide they can manage on their own, and that you should make sure they’re safe with any equipment (NHS Tayside: age appropriate chores for children). In other words, the first few goes will take longer than doing it yourself. That’s normal, and it’s the point.
Age-appropriate chores list
The list below is from NHS Tayside’s Child Health Occupational Therapy leaflet, with a couple of items left out or reworded for clarity. Ages are a guide, not a test.
| Age | Chore ideas |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 | Put toys in a toy box; stack books on a shelf; put dirty clothes in the laundry basket; throw rubbish away; set the table; fetch nappies and wipes; dust |
| 4 to 5 | Feed pets; wipe up spills; put away toys; make the bed; tidy bedroom; water indoor plants; prepare simple snacks; use a hand-held vacuum; clear the kitchen table; dry and put away dishes |
| 6 to 7 | Gather rubbish; fold towels; dust or mop floors; empty the dishwasher; match clean socks; weed the garden; rake leaves; peel potatoes and carrots; make a salad; replace the toilet roll |
| 8 to 9 | Load the dishwasher; put a wash on; hang up or fold clean clothes; dust furniture; sweep the patio; put shopping away; scramble eggs; bake biscuits; walk the dog; wipe the table |
| 10 to 11 | Clean the bathroom; vacuum carpets; clean the kitchen; hang out washing; prepare a simple meal; bring in the post; sweep out the garage; change light bulbs |
| 12 and up | Wash or vacuum the car; mow the lawn; paint walls; shop for groceries with a list; cook a complete dinner; bake bread or a cake; do simple home repairs; wash windows; iron clothes |
Source: NHS Tayside Child Health Occupational Therapy Services. Anything involving heat, sharp tools, electrics, cleaning products or ladders needs an adult’s judgement and supervision, whatever the list says, and the leaflet itself stresses making sure children are safe with equipment.
Pitch it right
Coram Family Lives says to remember your child’s age and development level when you hand out chores. Too easy and they get bored; too hard and they get frustrated, which is demotivating for both of you (Coram Family Lives: making chores fun). The NHS says to wait until you think your child’s ready, and if something doesn’t work out, leave it for a few weeks and try again (NHS: teaching your child everyday skills).
Hillingdon’s NHS children’s service suggests starting with small household tasks, such as laying the table, putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket or tidying their room, and breaking the routine down into simple steps with gentle reminders (Hillingdon NHS: developing independence).
Make it stick
- Don’t redo it. Hillingdon’s advice is to resist the urge to redo what they’ve done themselves. A wonky bed made by a five-year-old is still a made bed.
- Don’t expect perfection. The NHS says be realistic and don’t expect perfection or instant results (NHS).
- Make it a game. Coram Family Lives suggests picking chores from coloured paper strips, maybe with one blank “no chore” strip as an incentive (Coram Family Lives).
- Track progress. The same page suggests a simple chart, with gold stars or stickers, to build self-esteem and motivation. There’s more on that in our reward chart guide.
- Set an example. Coram Family Lives says if you don’t moan about your chores, they won’t either. Easier said than done on bin night.
Should you pay for chores?
Families differ. Coram Family Lives says an incentive can make children more willing to see a job through, and suggests agreeing which chores are paid and what standard you expect, to avoid arguments later. If money’s tight, it suggests other incentives such as a games night or film night where your child chooses the activity (Coram Family Lives). Hillingdon’s NHS service also mentions linking chores to a reward such as weekly pocket money, a park trip or an activity they’d like (Hillingdon NHS).
A star for each job
For the youngest end of the list, I made Tidy Stars. Kids of about 8 and under pick a job, tap their button when it’s done, music plays and they earn a star. Stars add up to a treat you choose together, and you can add a photo of the job. It’s £3.99 one-off on the App Store, with no ads and no account.
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Questions
What chores can a 3 year old do?
NHS Tayside’s occupational therapy leaflet suggests children of 2 to 3 can put toys in a toy box, stack books, put dirty clothes in the laundry basket, throw rubbish away, help set the table and dust, with you working alongside them.
What chores can a 5 year old do?
For ages 4 to 5, NHS Tayside suggests feeding pets, wiping up spills, putting toys away, making the bed, tidying their bedroom, watering indoor plants, clearing the table and drying and putting away dishes.
What chores can a 7 or 8 year old do?
NHS Tayside lists folding towels, emptying the dishwasher, matching socks and weeding for 6 to 7, and loading the dishwasher, putting shopping away and hanging up clean clothes for 8 to 9.
Should I pay my child for chores?
It’s up to you. Coram Family Lives says an incentive can help, and suggests agreeing which chores are paid and the standard expected. Non-money rewards, such as a family film night, work too.