Print Free File: Chores At What Age
Here is a list of what kids can do at each age and training them to be independent. From Merrilee Boyack’s book, “The Parenting Breakthrough,”
3 years
Dress Self
Use Toilet independently
Beginning to brush teeth
Pick up toys
Say prayers
Clean Glass tables
4 years
brush teeth
make bed
make own breakfast
make sandwiches
beginning to clean room
5 years old
straighten room
vacuum
empty garbage cans
set table
clear table
make own lunch
warm up canned food
get allowance
6 years old
take shower
dust
load dishwasher
empty dishwasher
clean sinks
run microwave
water plants
make and answer phone calls
7 years old
wash dishes
floss teeth
clean toilets
pull weeds
have a savings account
read with comprehension
8 years old
groom nails and hair
get up by self
participate in team sports of clubs
develop personal talents
clean mirrors
memorize phone number and address
do own hair
begin piano lessons
9 years old
mop floor
clean pictures
bake cakes and cookies
understand emergency preparedness
learn basic first aid
fill car with gas
wash car
vacuum interior of car
hammer nails
saw wood
cook vegetables
write letters
understand puberty and sex
use email
understand basic science
wrap presents
sew on buttons
10 years old
do own laundry completely
set personal goals
play musical instrument
maintain personal journal
participate in exercise program
rent videos
clean stove and oven
make several kinds of salad
understand basic nutrition
use leaf blower
plant plants
place a collect call
use a pay phone
place a long distance call
know articles of faith
write creatively
11 years old
arrange for own haircuts
clean refrigerator
clean cupboards
straighten drawers and closets
sew hems
bake pies and bread
make several main dishes
iron own clothes
plan meals
mow awn
use weed whacker
maintain garden
place credit card call
start basic mission prep
have good math skills
use a camera
learn to crochet or knit
participate in first aid training
take a babysitting class
clean windows
use internet (filtered)
12 years old
shop for clothing
have basic fashion awareness
plan wardrobe
develop reading program
read newspaper
speak in public
make and keep dentist/doctor appt.
understand weight control
keep personal calendar
understand basic filing
use common computer programs
order something by mail or phone or internet
read Book of Mormon
attend priesthood or Young Women activities
paint interior or exterior of house
baby sit
mend clothing
13 years old
sew simple items
shop for clothing and other items
find bargains
plan parties
have own recipie file
ship for groceries
care for plants
keep a simple budget
pay household bills
use atm
certify for CPR
type without looking
go to movies without parent
understand prescriptions
learn meat handling rules
learn etiquette rules clean garage
sell items on internet
14 years old
do basic interior decorating
understand basics of food storage
memorize social security number
understand and use a debit card
learn interest, debt and securities
(girls) learn about makeup
identify business skills to get some experience with sales
learn basic civics and politics
accompany parent to vote
perform thorough car detailing
change a flat tire
understand basics of car operation
do simple household repairs
put up wallpaper
memorize seminary scripture
16 years old
get driver’s license
understand credit cards
learn about retirement plans
resume mission prep
understand interviewing
understand adverstising
start career planning
file insurance claim
arrange for car insurance
perform household repairs
assist in purchasing a car
open checking account
file tax return
deal with auto mechanic
plan landscaping
pay for and use cell phone get a job
{ 7 comments }
This is GREAT! I had no clue what chores my son was supposed to be able to handle so he could start earning an allowance, and I wasn’t sure when to start adding chores to his list. Thank you…already bookmarked this post for future reference.
This is definitely a helpful list! A few of them seem sort of backwards to me though…can make a sandwich and heat canned food before watering plants? Probably kid-specific, but my 5-year-old plays piano (simple songs, basic musical staff understanding) and my 3-year-old (4 by end September) is required to have her full name, address, and telephone number memorized by the time she starts Junior Kindergarten in September!
Still, it’s a nice guideline…so thanks!
thank you! I have my fiance’s 8 year old coming for the summer and I am like what does an 8 year old do? this is a great level set for me! thanks!
Kim @ http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com
party inspiration
Thanks for that….i knew my little girls (4 & 6) were lazy…now they can be more useful with cleaning then making a mess…thanks again
Printing & putting on my Fridge, Thanks for sharing!
This is a great list! I recognize it, almost word-for-word, from Merrilee Boyack’s book, “The Parenting Breakthrough,” just to give credit where due. It is my #1 favorite parenting book!
I LOVE IT!!!!!
According to this I wasn’t such a mean mother after all!!! Could you send this to all of your siblings?????? jk ; )
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