Parenting expert, Judy Arnall, discusses the democratic, non-punitive way to get kids (and partners!) to help around the house!
What Chores When?
2-3 years old (done with adult)
Empty small wastebaskets
Put on pj’s
Pick up trash in yard
Wash face
Brush teeth
Comb hair
Help set table
Clear table
Help load dishwasher
Help put laundry in dryer or on drying rack
Pick up toys
Put dirty clothes in hamper
4-5 years old (done with adult)
Get dressed
Make Bed with Duvet
Pick up room
Dust their room
Hang wet laundry on clothes rack
Clean TV screen
Help in the yard
Get ready for bed (brush teeth, put on pj’s, etc)
Lay out clothes for next day
6-7 year olds (done with adult)
Brush teeth (with adult)
Set breakfast table
Help with dishes
Change sheets (help from mom)
Feed dog or cat
Vacuum room
Take out trash
Dust room
Sweep porch
Clean inside of car
Help with dinner
Sweep porches and walks
Help with dinner clean up
Dust baseboards
Fold laundry
Carry in groceries
Empty backpack lunch containers by the sink
Make sure backpack and school papers are by the door and ready to go
8-9 years old
Start ironing easy items
Clean sliding door glass
Clean fingerprints from doors
Dust other rooms
Wash car
10 years old and up
They can do all that the other ages do plus:
Change their sheets by themselves
Clean the bathroom
Clean up kitchen
Help with cooking meals and baking
Scrub floors
Water plants
Straighten bookcases
Wipe down washer and dryer
Sew and mend
Put away groceries
12 years old and up
Clean entire bathroom
Clean kitchen alone
Vacuum entire house
Do grocery shopping
Sew and mend
Repair jobs
Clean range
Help with heavy spring cleaning
Paint
Straighten closets and drawers
Get groceries
13 Years and Up
Everything an adult can do, a teenager can do!
Let them at it!
