Introducing chores to kids at an early age can be rewarding for both parents and children.
But what chores are appropriate for each age group? And how can you make sure the tasks are safe and engaging?
This guide breaks down age-appropriate chores for kids, offering practical ideas and tips to help your child build essential life skills, while having fun along the way.
Why assign chores to kids?
The benefits of chores
Chores are more than daily tasks, they’re life lessons.
The benefits of chores
Responsibility: Kids learn to contribute to the household.
Independence: Completing tasks builds confidence.
Life skills: Everyday chores teach useful lifelong habits.
Work ethic: Finishing tasks gives kids a sense of accomplishment.
Age-appropriate chores for kids
Every age comes with new abilities and opportunities for responsibility.
Chores for 4-year-olds
Simple, supervised tasks help kids learn basic routines:
Make the bed
Pick up toys
Water plants (with guidance)
Feed pets (with supervision)
Set the table
Chores for 5-year-olds
Five-year-olds can take on slightly more complex jobs that promote independence:
Dust low surfaces
Help sort laundry by color
Clear the table after meals
Wipe small spills
Help with gardening tasks
Chores for 6-year-olds
At this age, kids can handle more structured tasks:
Pack their own lunch
Feed pets independently
Set the table for meals
Prepare simple snacks like fruit or sandwiches
Chores for 8-year-olds
By 7 or 8, children can take on chores requiring more focus and care:
Vacuum small areas
Fold laundry
Take out the trash
Help with cooking (measuring, stirring)
Wipe down bathroom sinks
Chores for 9–10-year-olds
Older kids can handle more complex household responsibilities:
Mow the lawn (with supervision)
Wash and dry the car
Load and unload the dishwasher
Babysit siblings briefly
Prepare simple meals
Chores for teenagers
Teens can manage most household tasks, preparing them for adulthood:
Deep cleaning (vacuuming, mopping, dusting)
Yard work (raking, shoveling)
Grocery shopping and meal planning
Laundry (wash, dry, fold)
Basic home maintenance or repairs
Creating a household chores list
A clear list helps organize and divide tasks among family members.
Daily chores: Make the bed, clean up toys, wash dishes. Weekly chores: Vacuum floors, do laundry, dust furniture. Monthly chores: Clean windows, organize closets, deep clean the kitchen.
Tips for an effective chores list
Assign by age: Match chores to your child’s ability.
Give clear instructions: Break down each task step by step.
Use visual charts: Track progress with stickers or pictures.
Rotate chores: Keep tasks fresh and interesting.
Use positive reinforcement: Praise effort and consistency.
Making chores fun and engaging
Chores don’t have to feel like work, turn them into a game.
Gamify chores
Sticker charts: Track tasks with fun visuals.
Timed challenges: See how quickly they can complete tasks.
Chore bingo: Reward a full row of completed chores.
Add your child’s favorite stickers or music to make it even more exciting.
Creative chore ideas
Themed chores: Try “Superhero Cleaning Day.”
Music & dance: Play their favorite songs while they tidy up.
Storytelling: Turn chores into mini adventures or challenges.
Positive reinforcement
Praise often: Recognize effort and improvement.
Reward system: Offer small incentives for consistency.
Chore parties: Celebrate a successful week with a fun family activity.
The role of Modak in managing and rewarding chores
Managing chores and rewards can be simplified with the Modak Makers' app. Here's how Modak can help when assigning chores to your kids:
Earning money and rewards with Modak
MBX points: Kids earn points for completing challenges or walking 5,000 steps daily. These can be converted into dollars and spent with the Modak Visa® debit card¹.
Chore-based rewards: Parents can assign chores and reward them with MBX points. Rewards can be customized or skipped, helping kids learn the value of money and responsibility.
Walk to earn: Kids can earn up to 70 MBX per week, equal to about $8 monthly or $36.40 annually³, just by walking!
This promotes both financial literacy and physical activity.
Easy chore management
Chore scheduling: Parents can create and track chores directly in the app.
Instant rewards: Kids are rewarded as soon as chores are completed.
Progress tracking: Both parents and children can see real-time progress.
Benefits for parents and kids
Convenient tracking: Keeps everyone organized and motivated.
Safe and secure: Transactions are fully protected.
Looking for a fun, educational way for your child to earn and manage money?
Modak Makers makes it simple. Help your child build responsibility, learn about money, and stay active, all in one app.
Sign up today to unlock custom card designs, smart money tools, and fun family features, all with no monthly subscription⁴.
FAQs about chores for kids
What chores should kids do by age?
2–3 years old: Pick up toys, put clothes in a hamper
4–5 years old: Make the bed, set the table
6–7 years old: Sweep floors, help with meal prep
8–9 years old: Vacuum, take out trash
10–12 years old: Wash dishes, fold laundry
Teenagers: Grocery shop, mow the lawn, babysit siblings
What age should kids have responsibility?
Kids can start as early as age two with simple, supervised tasks. Gradually increase difficulty as they grow.
How can I motivate my child to do chores?
Explain the benefits of helping out.
Make chores part of their daily routine.
Use rewards to keep motivation high.
What if my child refuses to do chores?
Stay calm and patient.
Encourage with praise and small rewards.
Set an example, show teamwork at home.
How can I ensure chores are done safely?
Always supervise new tasks.
Choose safe, age-appropriate activities.
Teach proper techniques to prevent accidents.
Deposit account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Legend Bank, N.A., FDIC-Insured. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC insured financial institution. Funds deposited into a Deposit Account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance.
By clicking the link, you understand that you’re leaving Modak Makers and heading to an external site we don’t operate. We’re not responsible for its content or policies and don’t represent you or the site in any transactions. Please review their privacy and security terms.
