Many parents wonder when their kids should start doing various chores. The key thing to keep in mind that your ultimate job as a parent is to raise an adult. Keeping that perspective and adjusting your expectations to your child’s ability can help guide you in times of uncertainty. This article does a good job listing age-appropriate chores for kids:
“If you’re concerned that your kids are too young to to start doing chores and helping around the house, you shouldn’t be. Children as young as 2 can be tasked with simple chores, and learning to do things around the house has the potential to turn them into more successful adults.”
“Every kid is different, so consider your child’s abilities and interests when giving them a new chore. In my case, my third grader loves to make simple meals, and fill and empty the dishwasher. My second grader enjoys helping with meal preparation by setting the table, peeling vegetables, and grating cheese.”
“If you don’t already have one, a household chore chart is a great way to keep everyone in the family organized and on track.”
Preschool (Ages 2 to 5)
“Teaching kids to pitch in and help out around the house can start as soon as they’re mobile. In fact, at this age my kids loved ‘helping’ clean the house, never mind that sometimes their ‘help’ made more work for me. The important part is that they want to do their part. Turn it into a game, make it fun, and be sure to praise them for their efforts.”
Lower elementary (Ages 5 to 7)
“In the early elementary grades, kids are starting to develop more independence and a sense of personal identity. Giving them more complex chores will encourage their growing autonomy.”
Upper elementary (Ages 7 to 11)
“Kids in the higher elementary grades are gaining confidence, developing their interests, and starting to pay attention to what’s going on in the world. Give them only as much supervision as they need to complete the chores.”
Middle School (Ages 11 to 14)
“By middle school, kids who have mastered all of the above chores are ready to for more household responsibilities. Give them tasks that offer them a challenge, and be prepared to step in if they ask for help.”
High school—and Beyond
“By high school, kids should be comfortable doing most any household chore you give them. Encourage responsibility and independence by involving them in any chores you do, with the goal of preparing them for college and adulthood”.
“‘Adulting’ can be stressful, but letting our kids try—and possibly fail—while they still have a safety net will help ready them for anything they face alone.”
Parenting Counseling with Elaine Korngold
Elaine Korngold, LPC, works with parents helping them explore their choices with respect to decisions around their kids. Contact Elaine to learn more.