Chores for kids by age, 3 to 12

How to tell if a chore fits the age

Start with the third-try test: the chore fits if the child can do it alone on the third try. If they do it badly, keep the task and teach details. If they cannot do it at all, the job is too hard.

Keep lists short. Young children need two to three simple tasks. Older kids can handle more. See the sample age pages for ideas and specific phrasing on tasks like 'set the table' and 'put laundry in hamper' at 3 year olds and 5 year olds.

A short list helps chores stick. Small wins create habit. Parents can coach one step, then step back.

If you want the reasoning behind the layout, start with The best chore chart for kids, by family and by age.

Age appropriate chores from 3 to 12

Below is a compact ladder you can use tonight. Pick the row that matches your child, or pick the next row down if they need more practice. The table uses small, clear items you can test with the third-try rule.

These rows match how skills climb each year. The printable chart that goes with this page lays the rows out so your family can pick one line. Download the one-page PDF and print at 100 percent from downloads.

The same chore, one rung up each year

Teach one job over several years by raising expectations a little each year. That builds competence without adding lots of new tasks. Below are five ladders you can copy and hang.

• Table setting ladder: help place napkin at 3, set plates at 5, set utensils at 6, plan simple setting at 8, set and clear for small meals at 10
• Laundry ladder: drop clothes in hamper at 4, sort colors at 6, load washer at 8, fold and put away at 9, run a load with check at 11
• Pet care ladder: pour food bowl with help at 3, fill bowl alone at 5, change water at 7, walk small dog with supervision at 9, manage feeding schedule at 11
• Room care ladder: pick up toys at 3, make bed with help at 6, put laundry away at 8, clean surfaces at 9, deep clean once a week at 12
• Kitchen skills ladder: clear plates at 4, make a simple snack at 7, chop soft fruit under watch at 9, make a basic meal with oversight at 11

Chores kids should not do yet

Keep dangerous jobs off a young child list. Safety is the simple rule here. If a task risks injury, wait until the child can follow clear safety steps alone.

• Use the stove before 8
• Handle sharp knives before 10
• Run a lawn mower before 12
• Mix or use household chemicals
• Babysit alone

Using the age ladder chart

The printable is one chart with one row per age so families can pick a row. Every chart is a one-page PDF in letter and A4, in a color version and an ink saving black outline version with a blank name line.

Print at 100 percent, not fit to page. The reward boxes fit a 1.5 inch round sticker or a 1/2 inch star sticker. Sign up by email and the builder opens in your browser to print the child's name on a sticker sheet, a star chart and a chore chart.

When a child is behind or ahead of the list

Treat this ladder as a guide, not a pass or fail test. If a child strugles, move them down a rung for a month and coach one skill at a time. If they finish on the third try, move them up.

If a child wants harder jobs, give a trial period and and a clear checklist. Siblings can have different rows. Make the chart a family agreement and review it at birthdays and after any big change.