Life Skills & Money

24 Chores for Kids by Age: 2 to 12+

This free printable chore chart lists 24 chores for kids in four age bands: ages 2 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 and up. Each band holds chores kids can genuinely own at that stage. Post it once and stop the daily reminding.

Put together by Amelie, B.Ed, M.Ed, former classroom teacher · Updated June 2026

24 ideas4 themesFree to print & keep

Chore chart by age: what kids can own at each stage
Age	Chores kids can own
Ages 2-5	Put toys in a bin after playing · Carry dishes to the sink after meals · Put dirty clothes in the hamper · Set the table with the correct number of everything · Sort laundry by color · Water plants with a small watering can
Ages 6-8	Load and unload the dishwasher · Fold simple laundry (towels socks t-shirts) · Sweep the kitchen floor · Feed pets independently on a schedule · Make their own bed each morning · Wipe down counters after meals
Ages 9-11	Do their own laundry start to finish · Cook simple meals (eggs pasta sandwiches) · Clean a bathroom from start to finish · Pack their own bag for a trip or school day · Take out garbage and recycling without being asked · Help with grocery shopping using a list
Ages 12+	Plan and cook a full family meal · Do basic home repairs (tighten screws hang pictures) · Run errands independently · Meal plan for a week on a budget · Schedule their own appointments · Handle a minor household emergency

How to use this list

Chores are not punishment. They are how kids learn they are capable of real contribution to the family. Find your child age group in the chart, pick a couple of chores, and teach them properly once instead of redoing it for them. Post the chart where everyone can see who does what, and let the chart do the reminding.

Go deeper

This checklist is the quick version. For the why behind each idea, parent tips, and the full walkthrough, read Age-Appropriate Chores That Build Real Life Skills (Not Just a Clean House).

Frequently asked questions

How do I use a chore chart by age?

Pick two or three chores from your child’s band on the chart, teach each one properly once, and post the chart where the whole family sees it. The four bands run ages two to five, six to eight, nine to eleven, and twelve and up, from putting away toys up to cooking a meal.

Should kids be paid for chores?

Whether kids get paid for chores is a family call. Many parents keep basic chores unpaid as part of belonging to the household, and offer pay for bigger extra jobs. The chart works either way.

How do I get my kids to actually do their chores?

Kids do their chores when the chore is taught properly the first time, the expectations are clear, and they own it without hovering. A posted chart removes the daily reminding and makes the responsibility theirs.

Is the chore chart really free?

The chore chart is free to download. No email, no account. Print it in color or black and white, stick it on the fridge, and update it as your kids grow into the next age band.

Want the step-by-step guides?

These ideas are a great starting point. The membership gives you fully guided activities with step-by-step instructions, three skill levels, and parent tips for every single one.

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