Chores by age: what can kids do at home?
September 25, 2026
There is no exact list of which chores suit which age, because children develop differently. A good way to choose is to ask: can the child do it on their own with a little help the first time, and do they understand when it is finished? Then the chore is reasonable, even if the result is not perfect.
Below are examples in three age groups. Treat them as inspiration, not a checklist, and adapt them to your own child.
Preschool age: small, concrete tasks
Younger children like to help, and that is a good start. Keep the tasks short and clear.
- Putting dirty clothes in the laundry basket
- Setting out plates or cutlery (with help)
- Putting toys away
- Watering a plant
- Feeding the pet, together with an adult
At this age you will usually do the chore together. The goal is the habit, not for the child to manage everything alone.
School age: their own responsibilities that show
Once the child is at school they can take on a responsibility of their own. What works well are chores with a clear beginning and a clear end.
- Making their bed
- Setting and clearing the table
- Loading the dishwasher
- Taking out the rubbish or recycling
- Packing the school bag the evening before
- Sorting the laundry or folding their own clothes
A simple checklist or a star system often works well here, because the child wants to see that something got done. If you want to read about making it work without nagging, there is a post on getting kids doing chores without nagging.
Teenage years: bigger tasks and more independence
Teenagers can handle most things at home and often do well with real responsibility, not just small helping tasks.
- Cooking a simple dinner once a week
- Washing their own clothes
- Cleaning their room and one shared space
- Running simple errands
- Looking after a pet or a sibling for a short while
Instead of deciding everything, you can negotiate the setup. Let the teenager choose which chores they take and when, as long as they get done.
How to pick the right level
- Start small. One chore at a time is easier to make stick than five at once.
- Show how, then let go. Do it together the first time and let the child do the rest.
- Accept "good enough". A bed that is made a little crooked is still made.
- Raise the level when it works. It should feel like the child is growing, not like they are being given more for no reason.
If you want order on who does what, you can see how it works in chores for kids, and how to share household chores fairly between several people.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can kids have chores? Many start already at preschool age, with small tasks together with an adult. What matters is that the task is simple and that the child gets help at the start.
Should kids be paid for chores? Each family decides. Some see chores as part of living together, others tie them to pocket money. Read more in the post on pocket money for kids.
What do I do if the child does not want to? Talk about why, and make the chore smaller or clearer. Often the resistance is about the task feeling unclear or too big.
Want order on chores and rewards? See how chores for kids work in FamVibe or download the app for free.