Age-Appropriate Chores for Your Kids

Chores are a great way to teach your children responsibility, as well as get a little extra help around the house. Plus, they make kids feel like a valued, important member of the family — and that can go a long way in warding off tantrums, meltdowns, and just all-in-all bad attitudes.

Are you thinking of enlisting your kiddos’ help around the house? Want to give your little ones slightly more responsibility this year? Here are the best options for each age range:

Ages 2 to 3

• Put away their toys
• Throw away trash
• Put up books after they’ve read them
• Feed the family pet
• Put their dirty clothes in the hamper
• Dust the baseboards

Ages 4 to 5

• Bring in the mail
• Make their bed
• Wipe up spills
• Clear away the table after meals
• Water flowers and plants
• Weed the garden
• Use a small handheld vacuum
• Wipe down tables and counters
• Brush pets

Ages 6 to 7

• Set the table for dinner
• Clean their room
• Pack lunches and snacks
• Sweep the floor
• Help with laundry
• Rake leaves
• Match socks

Ages 8 to 9

• Put away groceries
• Load and unload dishwasher
• Help with cooking and meal prep
• Fold and put away laundry
• Walk the dog
• Pour cereal, make toast, and cook other simple foods
• Change light bulbs

Ages 10 and Up

• Clean the sinks and toilets
• Wash the car
• Run a load of laundry
• Vacuum rugs and carpets
• Mop the floors
• Babysit their siblings with an adult present
• Change their sheets
• Wash the windows

Keep in mind that your kid may not do each chore perfectly — and that’s OK. As with anything, practice makes perfect. Gently remind them of the step they forgot or skipped, and let them try again another day. Just don’t step in and do it for them (that undermines the entire principle of chores in the first place!)

Finally, offer plenty of praise. Let them know they’re doing a good job and that you’re proud of them. You can even use a star chart to keep track of how great they’ve performed.

Give Them a Heads Up

If you’re planning on a buying a home, make sure you talk to your kids first and discuss the responsibilities that come with homeownership. Let them know what they’ll be expected to help with — long before moving day arrives. Do you need more home buying advice or guidance? Then contact your local Embrace loan officer today.