For the young ones, you can consider a chore chart that uses pictures instead of words. Here are some suggestions for age-appropriate chores (with your supervision):
Ages 2 and 3
Personal Chores:
Help straighten bedsPick up toys and put them back in their storage place
Family Chores:
Put dirty laundry in the laundry basketFill the pet’s water bowl Help clean up spills and dirt
Ages 4 and 5
Personal Chores:
Get dressed (with a little help)Make the bed (with a little help)Help bring in bags from the carPick up the toysWash handsBrush teeth
Family Chores:
Set the table with supervisionClear the table with supervisionHelp with food preparationHelp carry in the lighter groceriesSort the laundry (whites vs. colors)Match socks (washed)Be responsible for a pet’s food and water bowlStraighten towels
Ages 6 and 7
Personal Chores:
Make bed every dayBrush teethComb hairChoose the day’s outfit and get dressed
Family Chores:
Be responsible for a pet’s food, water, and exerciseVacuum individual roomsFold laundry with supervisionPut laundry in drawers and closetsPut away dishes from the dishwasherHelp prepare food with supervision
Ages 8 to 11
Personal Chores:
Personal hygiene (showering, teeth, etc.)Keep bedroom neat and cleanBe responsible for homeworkBe responsible for belongingsWake up using an alarm clock
Family Chores:
Wash dishesHelp wash the family car Help plan and prepare a few easy meals Clean the bathroom with supervisionRake leavesLearn to use the washer and dryerPut all laundry away with supervisionTake the trash can to the curb for pick up
Ages 12 and 13
Personal Chores:
Take care of personal hygiene, belongings, and homeworkSet the alarm clockMaintain personal items, such as recharging batteriesChange bed sheetsKeep rooms tidy
Family Chores:
Change light bulbsChange the vacuum bagDust, vacuum, clean bathrooms and do dishesClean mirrorsMow the lawn with supervisionBabysit (in most states)Prepare an occasional family meal
Ages 14 and 15
Personal Chores:
Responsible for all personal chores for ages 12 and 13Responsible for library card and books
Family Chores:
Do assigned housework without promptingDo yard work as neededBabysitPrepare food — from making a grocery list and buying the items (with supervision) to serving a meal — occasionallyWash windows with supervision
Ages 16 to 18
Personal Chores:
Responsible for all personal chores for ages 14 and 15Responsible for earning spending money and to develop their own budgetResponsible for purchasing their own clothesResponsible for maintaining any car they drive (e.g., gas, oil changes, tire pressure, etc.)
Family Chores:
Do housework as neededDo yard work as neededPrepare family meals - from grocery list to serving the meal — as neededDeep cleaning of household appliances, such as defrosting the freezer, as needed
