Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids (Chore Chart by Age)
By Cedar & Ledger
A new year is a good time to start a chore chart. Kids can help more than many parents expect. These are common ideas by age; every child is different, so start small and adjust.
Ages 2 to 4
- Put toys in a bin
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper
- Help feed a pet (with an adult)
- Wipe up small spills
Ages 5 to 7
- Make their bed
- Set and clear the table
- Match socks and put away clean clothes
- Water plants
Ages 8 to 10
- Load or unload the dishwasher
- Take out trash and recycling
- Sweep or vacuum one room
- Pack their own school bag
Ages 11 to 13
- Clean a bathroom sink and mirror
- Do a load of laundry start to finish
- Help cook a simple meal
- Rake leaves or shovel a path
Ages 14 and up
- Plan and cook a family dinner
- Deep clean a room
- Help with yard work and car cleaning
- Run errands (with a license, if old enough)
Making a chart stick
- Pick 3 to 5 chores per child, not 15
- Use pictures for kids who do not read yet
- Check off each day and review on the weekend
- Decide up front whether chores earn an allowance, and how much
Get the printable version
The Kids Chore Chart & Allowance Tracker 2027 (10 pages, Letter and A4) has chores-by-age ideas, a family chore agreement, weekly chore and routine charts, an allowance ledger (spend, save, give), a savings goal tracker and reward ideas.
Related template: Kids Chore Chart & Allowance Tracker 2027. Also see: Sinking Funds & Savings Goals Tracker
See all Cedar & Ledger templates
Frequently asked questions
What does this guide cover?
Chore ideas for kids by age, from 2 to teens, plus tips for a chore chart and allowance that stick in the new year.
Do I need a template to do this?
No. A notebook or a sheet you build yourself works fine. Cedar & Ledger also sells spreadsheet templates (I'd earn from a purchase); see the template box at the top of this page.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's general information with example numbers only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Use your own numbers and check anything important with a qualified professional or the official source.