Chores for Children
Category: Parenting
This check list is in the following categories:
This is a checklist of chores that are age-appropriate for school-age children.
Children can be given responsibility and rewarded for their help and participation with the following daily or weekly chores.
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Load or unload the dishwasher
Advise children how to load the dishwasher so the dishes fit best and avoid being damaged.
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Empty garbage
For young children, this is easier with two people -- one person holds the garbage bag and the other dumps the trash.
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Empty recycling
This is a great opportunity to teach children the importance of recycling if it is available in your area.
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Sort Laundry
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Wash Laundry
Most children are capable of doing their own laundry by 10-12 years of age.
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Help with food preparation.
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Pet care
This includes feeding, bathing, grooming, or cleaning up the pet's messes.
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Straighten their bed
Bunk beds are difficult to make and may need a simplified bed-covering arrangement that the child can handle.
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Sweep, vacuum, or mop the floor
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Dust furniture
Make this a fun chore for young children by creating a sock puppet from an old sock that can also be used as a dusting cloth.
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Open and sort the mail
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Water plants
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Help with washing the car
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Write a grocery list
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Fold laundry
Children can start folding their own laundry by 8 or 9 years of age.
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Set the table
Give children the freedom to be creative and set the table using their own ideas. They may want to design and make napkin rings or special place mats as part of their table-setting activity.
It is important that parents do not expect perfection from young children. The purpose of giving chores to children is to help them feel a part of the family and experience the pride that comes with responsibility.