Kids are often capable of more than we expect, and doing jobs around the house teaches responsibility, builds confidence and (eventually) takes a little load off you. The trick is matching the chore to the child's age, so it's a challenge they can actually succeed at.
Every child is different, so treat this as a starting point rather than a rulebook.
Chores for ages 3 to 5
At this age, chores are about joining in. Expect a bit of mess and lots of help.
- Put toys back in their bins
- Put dirty clothes in the washing basket
- Help set the table (napkins, cutlery)
- Feed the pet with help
- Wipe up small spills
- Match socks from the clean washing
- Water the plants
Chores for ages 6 to 8
Kids this age can handle short jobs on their own, especially with a picture or checklist to follow.
- Make their bed
- Pack and unpack their school bag
- Set and clear the table
- Put away their own clean clothes
- Empty small bins
- Help unpack the groceries
- Feed the pet on their own
- Tidy their bedroom with a checklist
Chores for ages 9 to 12
Older kids can take on real responsibility and multi-step jobs.
- Load and unload the dishwasher
- Hang out or fold washing
- Vacuum a room
- Take the wheelie bins out on bin night
- Make their own school lunch
- Help cook a simple meal
- Clean the bathroom sink
- Wash the car with you
How to make chores stick
- Show them first. Do the job together a few times before expecting them to do it alone.
- Keep the list short. Two or three daily jobs are plenty for younger kids.
- Use a chart. A visual chore chart means kids can see what's expected without being reminded, and ticking things off feels good.
- Same time, every day. Attach chores to an existing routine, like after school or after dinner.
- Lower the bar on perfect. A lumpy bed made by a six-year-old is a win.
- Rotate jobs between siblings each week so it feels fair.
Should chores be tied to pocket money?
Families do this differently, and there's no single right answer. A common approach is to have a few "family jobs" everyone does because they're part of the household (making beds, clearing plates), plus some optional extra jobs that can earn pocket money. Whatever you choose, being consistent matters more than the system itself.
Printable chore charts by age
Our Chore Charts by Age printable includes weekly charts for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12, plus a chore ideas list. Print it on A4, pop it on the fridge, and let the kids tick off their jobs each day.
Running a busy household? The Family Planner Pack includes a chore rota for the whole family, and our reward coupons are a fun way to celebrate a week of jobs well done. Start with our free morning routine chart if you're new to routines.