The 30 Most Common Chores for Kids

Helping out at home is about much more than getting things done. When kids take part in everyday chores, they learn responsibility, independence, empathy, and the value of contributing to a shared household. While chores vary across cultures, family structures, and living situations, many tasks are surprisingly universal.

Below is a curated list of 30 of the most common chores for kids, grouped by category and now also marked with recommended age ranges. Remember: ages are guidelines, not rules — every child develops differently. Use it as inspiration – not a checklist – and adapt it to your family, your values, and your kids’ abilities.

🧺 Cleaning & Tidying

These chores help kids learn order, routine, and basic care for their surroundings.

Tidying up toys (From age 3) – Putting toys back where they belong.
Making the bed (From age 5) – A simple daily habit that builds structure.
Cleaning their room (From ages 6) – Tidying surfaces, floors, and shelves.
Dusting furniture (From age 5) – Easy and surprisingly satisfying.
Vacuuming (From age 10) – Great for slightly older kids.
Sweeping floors (From age 6) – Indoors or outdoors.
Wiping tables and surfaces (From ages 8) – After meals or activities.

🍽️ Kitchen & Food-Related Chores

Food-related chores teach planning, hygiene, and teamwork.

Clearing the table (From age 6) – After meals.
Setting the table (From age 6) – Plates, cutlery, and glasses.
Loading or unloading the dishwasher (From age 6) – With guidance at first.
Hand-washing dishes (From age 8) – With supervision.
Helping prepare meals (From age 5) – Washing vegetables, mixing, or chopping (age-appropriate).
Taking out the trash (From age 6) – A classic responsibility.
Sorting recycling (From age 5) – Learning sustainability early.

👕 Laundry Chores

Laundry helps kids understand ownership of their clothes and routines.

Sorting laundry (From age 5) – Colors vs. whites.
Folding clean clothes (From age 6) – A great fine-motor skill exercise.
Putting clothes away (From age 5) – In drawers or closets.
Bringing dirty clothes to the laundry basket (From age 4) – Simple but important.

🌿 Outdoor & Home Maintenance

These chores often feel more “grown-up” and build confidence.

Watering plants (From age 4) – Indoors or outdoors.
Weeding the garden (From age 6) – Short sessions work best.
Raking leaves (From age 6) – Seasonal but popular.
Shoveling snow (From age 7) – In colder climates (age-appropriate).
Cleaning outdoor areas (From age 6) – Patio, balcony, or entrance.

🐾 Pet Care (If You Have Pets)

Pet-related chores teach empathy and consistency.

Feeding pets (From age 5) – Morning or evening routines.
Refilling water bowls (From age 4) – Simple and essential.
Walking the dog (From age 7) – With supervision.
Cleaning cages or litter areas (From age 8) – Depending on age and pet type.

🧠 Responsibility & Everyday Tasks

These chores are about habits and accountability.

Packing school bags (From age 6) – Books, lunch, and sports gear.
Helping younger siblings (From age 7) – Small, safe tasks.
Checking off daily chores (From age 5) – Building self-management.

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A Note on Culture, Age & Expectations

What’s considered a “normal” chore varies widely across countries and cultures. In some families, kids cook full meals early on; in others, chores are minimal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

The key is to:

Match chores to the child’s age and ability
Be consistent, not perfect
Focus on learning, not performance
Celebrate effort, not just results

Why Chores Matter

Studies consistently show that kids who help at home grow up with stronger life skills, better self-esteem, and a greater sense of responsibility. Chores aren’t about punishment – they’re about participation.

And when chores are visible, shared, and even a little fun, everyone wins.

At Tasks ’n Chores , we believe chores should feel fair, motivating, and age-appropriate – for kids and parents alike.

If you’re looking for a way to turn everyday chores into structure, progress, and even a bit of fun, you’re in the right place.