Let’s be real: the dishwasher didn’t load itself, the laundry isn’t folding itself, and no one’s ever said, “Wow, this living room cleaned itself!”
If you’ve got kids in the house, it’s time to put them to work—and no, it’s not mean. It’s called life skills, baby.
Whether you’re a mom, stepmom, bonus mom, auntie, or the unofficial adult in charge, here’s how to get the little (and not-so-little) ones helping out—without losing your mind.
Why Kids Should Do Chores
- Responsibility: Knowing how to take care of their space helps them take pride in it.
- Teamwork: When everyone pitches in, the house doesn’t feel like a one-woman show.
- Life Skills: Folding clothes and scrubbing a toilet = adulting 101.
- Confidence: Mastering small tasks builds their confidence over time.
And yes, it also means you don’t have to do every single thing yourself.
Age-Appropriate Chores (Because Toddlers Can’t Vacuum… Yet)
Ages 2–4 (aka the “I do it!” years)
- Put toys in bins
- Help wipe up spills
- Dust with a sock on their hand (seriously)
- Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket
Tip: Turn cleanup into a game. Timer + music = magic.
Ages 5–7 (They want to help—milk it)
- Set the table
- Make their bed (imperfection is okay!)
- Water plants
- Feed pets
- Sort laundry by color
Incentives work. Stickers, points, or praise—it all helps.
Ages 8–10 (Big enough to do real stuff)
- Empty the dishwasher
- Sweep floors
- Take out trash
- Fold towels
- Clean their room (with supervision)
Pro tip: Give them a checklist. “Clean your room” means nothing to a 9-year-old.
Ages 11–13 (Pre-teen power)
- Vacuum rooms
- Clean bathroom counters/mirrors
- Make simple meals/snacks
- Walk the dog
- Do their own laundry
Let them “own” a chore for the week. (Bathroom boss? Laundry queen? Run with it.)
Teens (Old enough to DO IT ALL… but they’ll pretend they can’t)
- Mow the lawn
- Deep-clean bathrooms
- Cook dinner once a week
- Run errands (if they can drive)
- Budget their own spending
Reminder: You’re raising an adult, not a permanent roommate who can’t load a dishwasher.
How to Make Chores Actually Happen
- Routine is key: Same time each day/week. No surprises.
- Chore charts: Visual trackers work—especially if there’s a reward.
- Pair chores with privileges: No chores? No phone. Simple.
- Model it: If they see you do it, they’ll get it’s not “punishment”—it’s part of life.
Final Thoughts
Chores aren’t about turning your kid into Cinderella—they’re about giving them the tools to take care of themselves and others.
And let’s be honest: You deserve help.
You’re not a 24/7 maid, you’re the CEO of the household. So delegate accordingly.
