by Janeen Elite

Created on: March 24, 2009

What Chores Children Are Capable of at What Age.

Assigning chores to children is not only a good way to help make them a contributing member of the household, but doing chores will also help to increase a child's sense of independence, sense of responsibility and help them appreciate the feeling of accomplishment at a job well done.

Chores do not have to be difficult or overwhelming for children as long as they are given things to do that they can handle. Below are a few ideas of what chores are appropriate for a child according to their age:

Children Ages 2 to 3 At this age children are old enough to start doing nice and easy tasks. They can start learning how to put their toys away or how to put clothes in a hamper.

They can learn how to fill a pet dish with food, or stack books and magazines. They can dust and start practicing to dress themselves. They can even start choosing their own clothes at this age if you make it easy on them by putting all approved clothes in special piles and then let them choose items from those piles on their own.

This is a great age to make chores fun for children as well. There are many games you can play with them to make doing these things not only fun, but something they look forward to. Here is an article that gives you some ideas on how to make chores more fun.

Children Ages 4 to 5 At this age children can do everything listed above plus:

They can start learning how to start make their own bed (maybe a little sloppy but you can fix that later)

They can bring in the mail or newspaper (if the box is not too far from the house)

Empty small wastebaskets

Help pull weeds (with supervision of course, so you don't lose your best flowers)

They can clear the table and put items on the counter or in the sink

Use a handheld vacuum cleaner for small crumbs and messes

Water flowers (again with your permission).

They can start emptying the utensils in the dishwasher (be sure to take care of the knives first yourself.)

Fix their own bowl of cereal

Wash plastic dishes, cups or utensils with water.

Children Ages 6 to 7 Can do all chores listed above as well as:

Sort laundry

Sweep floors

Set and clear the table

Help make or pack their lunch

Clean out their lunchboxes after school

Rake leaves

Keep their bedroom clean

Pour their own drinks

Answer the telephone

Children Ages 8 to 9 At this age they can do all of the above plus:

Load the dishwasher

Put away groceries

Vacuum

Help make simple dinners

Make or get their own snacks (I always have my son ask me if he is allowed to

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