The Ultimate Chores List by Age:
Get Your Kids Helping Around the House
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the housework piling up? If you’ve been wishing for a little help around the house, creating a chores list for your kids might be exactly what you need. Not only does it lighten your load, but it also teaches your children valuable life skills and helps them develop a sense of responsibility from an early age.
In this guide, you’ll find the best chores list by age—so you can easily decide which household tasks are right for your kids. You’ll also discover great tips for keeping them motivated, ways to track their progress, and ideas to make chores fun for the whole family.
Why a Chores List Is Important for Kids
Starting children on chores when they’re young helps them learn accountability, teamwork, and independence. A structured chores list gives them a clear understanding of what needs to be done and shows them how their contribution makes a difference at home.
Chores can actually be enjoyable—especially when you introduce them at a time when kids are naturally eager to help. Many parents find that once children associate chores with fun and rewards, they become excited to participate.
If you’re a visual person, you can even download free printable chore charts for kids. These charts can be hung in the kitchen, laundry room, or your child’s bedroom to keep everyone on track. Kids love checking off tasks and seeing their progress, and you’ll love watching them take initiative.
Using Apps to Manage Your Chores List
n today’s digital world, there’s an app for everything—including chore management. One of my personal favorites is Privilege Points, an easy-to-use app that lets you create a chores list right on your phone.
Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Each child can access the same list on their own device.
- You can assign points for each task completed.
- Kids can exchange their points for rewards you set.
- You can even join in as parents and earn points for your own tasks!
My husband and I use it to stay on top of our own household duties, too. It’s fun, motivating, and makes family teamwork a lot more engaging.
Creating an Age-Appropriate Chores List
When putting together your chores list, always consider your child’s age, abilities, and interests. Younger children may start with very simple tasks, while older kids can take on more responsibility.
Here’s a general breakdown to guide you:Toddlers (Ages 2–3)
- Put toys back in bins.
- Help feed pets.
- Place dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
These simple activities teach coordination and build positive habits early on.Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)
- Help make their bed.
- Sort laundry by color.
- Water indoor plants.
Keep in mind that at this age, the goal isn’t perfection. Focus on praising effort rather than results. Always avoid harsh criticism—it can discourage them from wanting to help in the future.Early Elementary (Ages 6–8)
- Wipe off tables and counters.
- Put away clean dishes.
- Help pack lunches or snacks.
Provide positive feedback first, then gently guide them if something needs improvement. For example, if your child cleans their room but leaves socks on the floor, say something like:
“Wow, your room looks so good! Don’t forget your socks and the trash too!”
This kind of constructive feedback motivates them to do even better next time.Preteens (Ages 9–12)
- Vacuum or sweep floors.
- Load and unload the dishwasher.
- Take out the trash.
Kids this age are capable of handling more complex responsibilities, and they often enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with independence.Teens (Ages 13+)
- Mow the lawn.
- Cook simple meals.
- Do their own laundry.
Older kids benefit from chores that mirror real-world responsibilities. As they grow, connect feedback to how they’ll handle tasks in a future job or college environment.
Encouraging Responsibility with Your Chores List
Once your chores list is in place, consistency is key. Every family member—even children as young as two—should have at least one assigned task. This builds a sense of teamwork and family unity. Using a Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart from Amazon is a great place to start or even download some of my free chore charts to use and simply hang on the wall each week.
If your child struggles with motivation, remember that rewards and positive reinforcement go a long way. Some parents like to use tangible rewards (like stickers or small treats), while others use privileges such as screen time, outings, or allowance money.
In my home, I’ve found that natural consequences work best with my teenager. For example, if he wants to go to a football game but hasn’t done his chores, I simply say, “That’s too bad—if you had done X when I asked, I’d have been happy to give you money for the game.” It only took a few times for him to catch on. Now, he helps out without needing a reminder!
Tips for Getting Kids to Follow Their Chores List
Here are some practical strategies to ensure your chores list doesn’t turn into a power struggle:
- Set clear expectations. Kids should always know exactly what’s expected of them.
- Use a visual chart or app. Tracking progress keeps kids accountable and motivated.
- Pair chores with privileges. Electronics, playtime, or TV can be earned once chores are done.
- Work together. Doing a “family clean-up” for 10–15 minutes each night teaches teamwork.
- Keep it fun. Turn chores into games or challenges. For example, race to see who can pick up the most toys or fold the most towels.
When chores become part of your family’s routine, you’ll be amazed at how smoothly your household runs.
Final Thoughts: Building Lifelong Habits
Creating a chores list isn’t just about getting the house clean—it’s about teaching your children valuable life skills that will serve them for years to come. Responsibility, time management, and cooperation are all lessons learned through simple household tasks.
By starting early, staying consistent, and keeping chores positive, you’ll raise kids who understand the importance of contributing to the household—and who take pride in doing so.
So, grab your chores list, print out a chart, or download an app like Privilege Points—and start making teamwork a family habit today. You’ll not only get more done but also enjoy seeing your children grow more confident, capable, and independent every day.
Additional pages you may be interested in:
• Printable Certificates for Kids
• Behavior Chart
• Homework Chart
• Feelings Chart