While children mature at different rates, you can still determine what age appropriate chores for kids are best suited depending upon their age range and ability. It’s never too early to ask your kids to help you with chores around the house. You can even start as early as two years old.
If you have toddlers at home who fit into the age appropriate chores for kids, they can certainly help you by: making the bed; picking up their toys; feeding the family pet; helping you put laundry into the basket; or cleaning up split milk on the kitchen floor. These chores would be most suited to two and three year olds. You can also teach your toddlers to do their chores by making a game out of it; or creating different ways in which they can help. It will give them a sense of accomplishment.
For age appropriate chores for kids ranging in four to five year olds, you can ask them to help you set the table; dust around the house; help make cookies; help you carry grocery bags (be sure to make it light for them). Six and eight year olds can take care of the family pet they’ve always wanted; help you vacuum the floor; take out the trash and fold the laundry. You can even ask them to help you prepare homemade macaroni. Kids love playing with dough!
Your pre-teens, on the other hand, will have their work cut out for them. Some of the more vigorous age appropriate chores for kids can be relegated to outside work: rake the leaves; wash the car; help clean out the garage. However, if you need help inside the house, they can certainly help you prepare meals; dust and vacuum the house; wash dishes or clean the bathroom. They would certainly be old enough to make their beds; clear their room of debris; organize their toys, and feel good about helping out.
Age appropriate chores for kids poses a different problem for teens. Sometimes they are willing to help, but often times not. It depends on how you have raised them. They can do almost anything you ask of them, but make certain they can manage whatever task you assign. If you’ve taught them from early on, they have the ability to prepare meals; clean the kitchen; wash windows; do the laundry; just about any indoor and outdoor chore there is; short of providing close supervision, of course.
