Developmentally Appropriate Chores for Children
Blooming Prep Family Resources
Involving children in household responsibilities helps build confidence, independence, responsibility, and important life skills. Age-appropriate chores give children meaningful opportunities to contribute to family life while developing executive functioning, problem-solving, and self-help skills.
Why Chores Matter
- Build responsibility and accountability
- Encourage independence and self-confidence
- Develop executive functioning skills
- Promote teamwork and cooperation
- Teach practical life skills
- Create a sense of belonging within the family
18–24 Months
- Put dirty clothes in a hamper
- Put away toys
- Help place books on shelves
- Carry small items to designated locations
2–3 Years
- Move clothes from the washer to the dryer with supervision
- Match socks
- Clean up spills
- Wipe baseboards with a damp cloth
- Put away plastic dishes
- Help set the table with plastic dishes
3–4 Years
- Fold towels
- Dust low bookshelves
- Wipe low cupboards
- Wipe tables
- Help make the bed
- Pull weeds in garden beds
- Help feed pets
5–6 Years
- Rinse dishes
- Put away utensils
- Set utensils on the table
- Sort dirty laundry
- Fold small clothing items
- Wipe walls with a damp cloth
- Wipe bathroom sinks and countertops
- Sweep floors
- Collect mail
- Help collect household trash
A Note for Families
The goal is not perfection. Young children learn through participation, repetition, and practice. Chores should be age-appropriate and completed with guidance, encouragement, and patience. Consistent opportunities to help build confidence and foster lifelong responsibility.