Daily Chore List for Children

2-Year-Old Children and Younger

• For children aged 2 and under, there are some simple daily chores that can go on their chore lists to help them contribute to the smooth running of the household. These chores may include getting a diaper when it's time for a change, putting toys away where they belong, putting their dirty clothes in the hamper if they can reach it, helping to pick up random books or magazines strewn through the house, help in setting the table for meals, wiping their feet before coming inside from playing outside and hanging up their bath towel on a low hook.

3- to 5-Year-Old Children

• Children aged 3 to 5 can complete all of the previously listed chores, except for the diaper, plus a few more. Chores for this age group may include helping to make their bed; dressing themselves, or trying to; placing their dirty dishes on the counter, in the sink or in the dishwasher; washing their hands and face at appropriate times; helping to unload the dishwasher; brushing their teeth morning and night; putting on their pajamas at bedtime; filling the cat or dog's water dish; and bringing their backpack in the house from the car.

6- to 9-Year-Old Children

• Continue to build on a child's daily chore list when they reach between the ages of 6 to 9. In addition to the previously listed chores, newer chores may involve feeding family pets; exercising pets such as taking the family dog outside to go to the bathroom; cleaning the pet's food bowls or cages when needed; helping to make breakfast, lunch or dinner; and taking out the trash, including recycled items.

10- to 13-Year-Old Children

• By the time children reach between 10 and 13 years old, they can perform a great deal of chores. They can continue performing all the chores they did when they were younger in addition to other chores such as pouring beverages at meal times for themselves and other family members, hand washing dishes, putting away clean dishes, making their own lunch for school and wiping down counter tops and other general dusting.

14- to 17-Year-Old Children

• When children reach the ages of 14 to 17, even more responsibility may be expected of them as far as daily chores go. New chores for this age group, in addition to all the ones they have been doing up until this point in time, could include taking turns with other family members in preparing meals for everyone, cleaning the coffeemaker or other kitchen appliances or washing the family car, or their own car if they have one.