teach your kids to do household chores

This list is only meant as a guide and reflects the types of chores that many children in these age ranges are capable of completing Ages 2 and 3 Personal chores Assist in making their beds Pick up playthings with your supervision Family chores Take their dirty laundry to the laundry basket Fill a pet's water and food bowls (with supervision) Help a parent clean up spills and dirt Dust Ages 4 and 5 Note: This age can be trained to use a family chore chart. Personal chores Get dressed with minimal parental help Make their bed with minimal parental help Bring their things from the car to the house Family chores Set the table with supervision Clear the table with supervision Help a parent prepare food Help a parent carry in the lighter groceries Match socks in the laundry Answer the phone with parental assistance Be responsible for a pet's food and water bowl Hang up towels in the bathroom Clean floors with a dry mop Ages 6 and 7 Note: This age can be supervised to use a family chore chart. Personal chores Make their bed every day Brush teeth Comb hair Choose the day's outfit and get dressed Write thank you notes with supervision Family chores Be responsible for a pet's food, water and exercise Vacuum individual rooms Wet mop individual rooms Fold laundry with supervision Put their laundry in their drawers and closets Put away dishes from the dishwasher Help prepare food with supervision Empty indoor trash cans Answer the phone with supervision Ages 8 to 11 Note: This age benefits from using a family chore chart. Personal chores Take care of personal hygiene Keep bedroom clean Be responsible for homework Be responsible for belongings Write thank you notes for gifts Wake up using an alarm clock Family chores Wash dishes Wash the family car with supervision Prepare a few easy meals on their own Clean the bathroom with supervision Rake leaves Learn to use the washer and dryer Put all laundry away with supervision Take the trash can to the curb for pick up Test smoke alarms once a month with supervision Screen phone calls using caller ID and answer when appropriate