Let’s be honest—keeping a clean house when you have kids feels almost impossible. It’s like trying to shovel snow in a blizzard. Toys, crumbs, and laundry somehow appear out of nowhere, and you can’t do it all on your own.
The good news? You don’t have to! Kids can, and should help with chores, it’s actually good for them. Giving children age-appropriate chores teaches responsibility, independence, and the importance of teamwork. Plus, it helps take some of the load off of you. Win-win, right?
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. This list of easy chores for kids will give you plenty of ideas, broken down by age group. Whether they’re preschoolers or tweens, these tasks are simple, doable, and perfect for getting your little helpers involved.
Chores for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
Toddlers might seem too young to help around the house, but they love to “help” and mimic what you’re doing. Keep tasks simple, and remember—it’s not about perfection at this age. It’s about teaching them to participate and do their best.
- Pick Up Toys
Teach your toddler to put toys back in their bins or baskets when playtime is over. Make it fun by turning clean-up time into a game or singing a clean-up song. - Throw Away Trash
Show them how to throw tissues, snack wrappers, or other small pieces of trash into the garbage can. It’s an easy way to start building the habit of tidying up, and that the floor is not a trash can!. - Put Dirty Clothes in the Hamper
Toddlers can easily learn to put their dirty socks, pajamas, or clothes into the hamper. Bonus: it’s one less thing you have to pick up later. - Wipe Small Spills
Keep a stack of kid-safe wipes or a small cloth handy so they can help wipe up little spills on their table or high chair. - Feed Pets
If you have pets, your toddler can help pour food into the bowl (with your supervision). It’s a great way to teach them about caring for animals.

Chores for Preschoolers (Ages 4-5)
Preschoolers are more independent and capable of handling slightly bigger tasks. They’re still learning, so be patient and give lots of praise for their effort.
- Make Their Bed
While it won’t be perfect, preschoolers can straighten their blankets and arrange pillows. Keep bedding simple so it’s easier for them. - Set the Table
Show them how to set out napkins, silverware, and cups for meals. Start with just the basics and add more as they get older. - Help Sort Laundry
Preschoolers can do simple laundry tasks like match socks, separate light and dark clothes, or help put clean laundry into piles for different family members. - Water Plants
Give your preschooler a small watering can and let them help water houseplants or outdoor flowers. Just be sure to monitor so they don’t overdo it! - Dust Low Surfaces
Hand them a dust cloth or a sock for their hand, and let them dust low furniture like tables, shelves, or chair legs. They’ll feel like such a big helper.

Chores for Early Elementary Kids (Ages 6-8)
By this age, kids have the coordination and understanding to take on more responsibilities. These chores will help build confidence while also teaching them important life skills.
- Empty the Dishwasher
Kids can start by unloading silverware, plastic dishes, and cups. As they get older, they can help put away other dishes too. - Sweep the Floors
A child-sized broom makes this task easier for little hands. Show them how to sweep crumbs into a dustpan, and they’ll feel super proud of their efforts. - Fold and Put Away Laundry
Teach them to fold easy items like towels, pajamas, or socks. Then, have them put their clean clothes into their drawers or closet. - Take Out the Trash
Show them how to tie up a full trash bag and replace it with a new one. They can also help gather small trash cans from bathrooms or bedrooms. - Help with Cooking
Let them help with simple cooking tasks, like stirring ingredients, measuring flour, or mixing pancake batter. It’s messy but fun, and it teaches important skills.

Chores for Tweens (Ages 9-12)
Tweens are capable of handling more complex chores and can start taking real ownership of their responsibilities. These tasks are great for teaching independence and preparing them for life down the road.
- Vacuum Floors
Whether it’s carpets or hard floors, tweens can handle vacuuming. They’ll enjoy seeing the instant results of their hard work. - Clean Their Room
At this age, kids can take full responsibility for keeping their room tidy. This includes making their bed, putting away clothes, and organizing toys or school supplies. - Load and Unload the Dishwasher
Show them how to safely handle dishes and silverware. They can load dirty dishes into the dishwasher and put clean ones away. - Take Care of Pets
Tweens can feed pets, clean food and water bowls, and even help clean out litter boxes or take the dog for a short walk. - Clean Bathrooms
Teach them how to wipe down counters, clean the sink, and replace toilet paper. A little guidance goes a long way, and this chore is a big help to you.
Remember, teaching your kids chores will feel time-consuming and frustrating at first, but sticking with it is essential for both you and them!

Tips for Getting Kids on Board with Chores
If you’re worried about resistance, here are a few tips to make chores easier (and maybe even fun!).
Getting kids to help around the house doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. With a little creativity and patience, you can turn chores into a positive experience that benefits the entire family.
One effective strategy is to make it a game—turning cleanup time into a friendly competition, like “Let’s see who can pick up the most toys in two minutes!”
For younger children, keeping tasks short and simple is key, as their attention spans are often limited.
Introducing a chore chart can add structure and motivation, especially when paired with fun stickers or checkmarks to track progress.
And don’t underestimate the power of praise and small rewards. Simple phrases like “You did an amazing job!” or offering small treats like extra playtime or an extra bedtime story can keep their enthusiasm alive.
When possible, work alongside them—kids love to mimic adults, and seeing you participate can inspire them to get involved. Turn on some upbeat music, and you’ve transformed chore time into a family bonding session!
By creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere, you’ll help your kids build positive habits while lightening your own load at home.
Here’s a reminder of what we just talked about!
- Make it a game: Turn chores into a race or challenge. For example, “Let’s see who can pick up the most toys in 2 minutes!”
- Keep it short: Younger kids have short attention spans, so keep chores quick and simple.
- Use a chore chart: Kids love seeing their progress. A chore chart with stickers or checkboxes can keep them motivated.
- Offer praise (and small rewards): Celebrate their effort, not perfection. A simple “Great job!” goes a long way, and small rewards like an extra bedtime story or playtime can keep them excited.
- Work together: Kids are more likely to help when they see you working alongside them. Turn on some music and make it a family effort!
Final Thoughts
Teaching kids to help with chores is one of the best things you can do for your family—and for them. Not only does it lighten your load, but it also teaches kids responsibility, independence, and the value of teamwork.
Start small, be patient, and celebrate their efforts. It won’t be perfect, but it will be worth it. And who knows? They might even start taking pride in helping keep the house clean. (One can dream, right?)
So pick a couple of age-appropriate chores and give it a try. You’ll be amazed at what your little helpers can do!

Leave a Reply