Bedtime Battles: A Routine That Works
How to end bedtime battles: a simple, consistent routine, how much sleep children need by age, handling stalling and night wakings, and screens before bed.
Chores by Age: A Practical Chart for Kids
Age-appropriate chores for children from 2 to 12, why chores matter, how to teach them step by step, whether to pay for chores and how to avoid nagging.
Key takeaways
- Even toddlers can help; chores build competence, responsibility and belonging.
- Teach one step at a time, do it together first, then hand over.
- Keep basic family chores unpaid; consider paying for extra jobs if you use pocket money.
On this page
Chores aren’t just about getting the house clean. Helping at home teaches children practical skills, responsibility and the sense that they’re a valued part of the family. It’s also one of the most effective antidotes to entitlement; see our signs of a spoiled child.
Chores by age
| Age | Chores they can usually do |
|---|---|
| 2–3 | Put toys in a box, put clothes in the laundry basket, wipe spills, feed a pet with help |
| 4–5 | Set the table, make the bed (roughly), water plants, sort socks, clear their plate |
| 6–7 | Sweep, fold towels, pack their school bag, put away groceries, help prepare simple food |
| 8–9 | Load the dishwasher, take out rubbish, vacuum, make simple breakfasts |
| 10–12 | Cook simple meals, clean the bathroom, do their own laundry with help, mow the lawn with supervision |
Every child is different; adjust for ability and safety.
How to teach a chore
- Do it together a few times, explaining each step.
- Let them do it while you watch and help.
- Hand it over, checking occasionally.
- Accept imperfect results. A lumpy bed made by a five-year-old is a win.
Make it stick
- Build chores into routines: clear your plate after dinner, tidy toys before bath.
- Use a visual chart for younger children.
- Keep instructions short and specific: “Put the blocks in the blue box,” not “Clean your room.”
- Notice effort: “You remembered to feed the cat without being asked.”
Should you pay for chores?
Many families keep everyday chores unpaid, because they’re part of living together, and pay for extra jobs, such as washing the car. That links money to effort without turning every request into a transaction. See pocket money by age for approaches.
When they refuse
Stay calm and matter-of-fact. Use “when–then”: “When the toys are away, then we’ll go to the park.” Natural consequences work too; see natural vs logical consequences.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should kids start doing chores?
Toddlers as young as two can help with simple tasks like tidying toys.
How many chores should a child have?
Start with one or two daily tasks and add more as skills grow.
What if they do it badly?
Praise the effort and teach the next step. Redoing it in front of them can discourage helping.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Keep reading
Picky Eaters: What Actually Helps
Why young children are picky eaters, the division of responsibility at meals, how many tries a new food can take, what backfires, and when to see a doctor.
Pocket Money by Age: How Much and How to Use It
How much pocket money to give by age, whether to tie it to chores, spend-save-share jars, teaching budgeting and when to introduce a bank account or card.