Giving kids age-appropriate chores helps them build life skills, self-reliance, and confidence. From toddlers to teens, children can take on small tasks that make them feel capable while helping the whole family.

Here’s a list of chores by age group, plus tips on supervision and rewards.

Age Appropriate Chores for Children: Having chores for kids to do sets them up for success in many areas of life,. Here's a guide to where to begin and how to be successful. Also a fab free age appropriate chores printable.

Now I know this is going to be controversial, but I am a big believer in everyone having some responsibility in our home and doing things for the good of the family. So I do not pay the boys for doing chores. It is expected of them, and as they get older, they get used to helping out around the house.

I do what is best for my family at the time. We still have our battles; in fact, getting Mini to keep his room clean is a constant issue!

I often find what works best is setting a timer and doing things together, especially for my ultra competitive boys. Another way that works for my family is putting some music on loud and dancing through cleaning!

Just look at Mini doing the vacuuming. It has become his job since we got our new Bissell PowerGlide® Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. Mini used to like vacuuming, but he always got tangled up in the cord, so the fact that this vacuum has 45 minutes power from its battery and it makes it so much easier for him.

That is one of my tips, make it easy for the kids to help. Give them the tools to help, whether than be mini sweeping brushes or their own cleaning kit. You can not expect your ten year old to empty the bins if they do not know where the bin bags are.

Oh and my biggest tip is don’t expect it to be up to your standard or as fast as you could do it yourself, but do not take over. You want to encourage them to do it, so praise them and encourage them.

Age Appropriate Chores for Kids

Toddlers (Ages 2–3)

Even toddlers can start with simple personal chores that build fine motor skills and independence:

Putting toys back in bins or baskets.
Placing dirty clothes in a hamper.
Helping wipe crumbs or small spills.
Brushing teeth with help.
Carrying plastic dishes to the dishwasher.

Note: These chores should always be done with guidance.

Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)

Preschoolers love to help! They can try:

Dusting furniture with a cloth.
Helping set the table with utensils.
Sorting laundry by colour.
Helping feed pets with supervision.
Putting away simple groceries into low drawers or the pantry.

6-Year-Olds and Early Primary Kids

At this stage, kids are ready for more responsibility:

Making their own bed.
Putting laundry in the washer (with help).
Loading or unloading the dishwasher (non-sharp dishes).
Emptying small wastebaskets.
Helping rake leaves or pull weeds.

Middle Schoolers

Middle school kids can handle more independence and should learn household life skills:

Preparing simple snacks or meals.
Vacuuming and wiping counters.
Doing their own laundry (washer + dryer).
Writing a grocery list or helping shop.
Assisting with family meals.

Teens & High Schoolers

By the teenage years, kids should be capable of managing most housework:

Cooking easy meals for the family.
Cleaning bathroom sinks and counters.
Mopping floors.
Caring for younger siblings for short periods.
Taking out the trash and recycling to the curb.
Looking after the family car (wash, tidy interior).

Using Chore Charts & Rewards

A chore chart or checklist is a great way to track responsibilities. Rewards can be:

Extra screen time.
Pocket money/allowance.
Family privileges (choosing dinner, movie night).

Consistency helps turn chores into habits.

Why Chores Matter

Builds life skills kids will need when they leave home.
Encourages self-reliance and responsibility.
Strengthens the idea that the whole family works together.

Looking for age-appropriate chores for kids? From toddlers to teens, here’s a list of life skills and responsibilities plus a printable chore chart.

Download your free Age appropriate chores poster below

** Click here to download your age appropriate chores for kids **

Review of the Bissell PowerGlide® Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Since I am no longer the chief vavummer in the house, I asked Mini to give you the low down on the Bissell PowerGlide® Cordless Vacuum Cleaner.

It is great having a vacuum cleaner that you do not have to plug in, it means I can use it without getting tangled in the cords. This vacuum is really simple to use and moves really well on both our hard floor and carpet.
I like that it has a brush attachment for the wand as it means I can dust the skirting board, but I would have liked a longer wand as I can not reach the ceiling with it (but I am only 9)!
I also would have liked a warning when the battery was about to run out, instead the machine just cuts off, but being a lithium battery it does charge pretty quickly.
I like that the canister is small and easy to empty, this means that I can do it on my own straight into the kitchen bin.

From my point of view the fact that it is cordless has meant that it is used more often and that is great, but personally I found the suction from the hose a little light and sometimes I forgot to change the switch from hose to upright. It definitely doesn’t have the same suction as a corded machine as we can use it on our rugs at the front door without it lifting the rug. However, the main advantage of this machine is that it is cordless and who would have thought that we would have cordless, rechargeable (not handheld) vacuums that had the battery life to clean an average home (ours is 4 beds and it cleans that in one charge) just a few years ago!

The Bissell PowerGlide® Cordless Vacuum Cleaner will not be replacing our corded machine yet, as it isnt as powerful or has as much suction as it, but it is perfect for regular use and for the boys to use. There is never a whinge when we had to grab it if there is mud dragged in (which there often is). So there is a place for this in our home, but I am still looking for the holy grail of vacuum cleaners that can deal with all the floor surfaces in our home.