10 Age-Appropriate Chores for School-Aged Kids: Teaching Responsibility

age-appropriate chores kids chores household chores and tasks for kids age-appropriate household chores

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Jun 19, 11:50 am

Photo: (Photo : Matt Cardy / Getty Images)

Assigning chores to school-aged kids is an excellent way to teach them responsibility, build their independence, and help them develop essential life skills.

When kids contribute to household tasks, they learn the value of teamwork and gain a sense of accomplishment.

With that, here are 10 age-appropriate chores that school-aged kids can handle, along with tips on how to introduce these responsibilities effectively.

10 Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

1. Making Their Bed

One of the simplest chores for school-aged kids is making their bed. It's a great starting point for teaching them about daily routines and the importance of keeping their personal space tidy.

Tips:

Show them how to properly arrange the sheets and pillows.
Encourage consistency by making bed-making part of their morning routine.

2. Setting the Table

Setting the table for meals is a task that helps kids learn about meal preparation and family participation. It's also an opportunity to teach them about proper table settings.

Tips:

Provide clear instructions on where each item goes.
Make it a fun activity by allowing them to add personal touches like folded napkins or place cards.

3. Feeding Pets

If your family has pets, assigning the task of feeding them can instill a sense of responsibility in your child. This helps them understand the commitment involved in caring for another living being.

Tips:

Supervise initially to ensure they measure the correct amount of food.
Create a feeding schedule that they can follow.

4. Sorting Laundry

Another kids chores you can teach is sorting laundry by colors and type is a great way for kids to learn about household chores and organization. It's also a practical skill they'll need in the future.

Tips:

Teach them the basics of separating whites, darks, and delicates.
Use laundry baskets to make sorting easier and more organized.

5. Emptying the Dishwasher

Emptying the dishwasher is a chore that teaches kids about kitchen cleanliness and organization. It's a manageable task for school-aged kids and contributes to the household's overall efficiency.

Tips:

Show them where each item belongs.
Ensure they handle breakable items with care.

6. Dusting Furniture

Dusting furniture is a chore that helps kids learn about maintaining a clean home. It's also a good way to teach them about attention to detail.

Tips:

Provide a soft cloth and non-toxic dusting spray.
Show them how to reach various surfaces and corners.

7. Watering Plants

Watering household plants is an easy yet important task that teaches kids about nurturing and the importance of regular care.

Tips:

Explain the proper amount of water each plant needs.
Set a regular schedule for watering.

8. Taking Out the Trash

Taking out the trash is a chore that helps kids understand waste management and the importance of keeping their environment clean.

Tips:

Ensure they know how to tie the trash bag securely.
Teach them where to dispose of the trash and recycle.

9. Putting Away Groceries

Putting away groceries after a shopping trip is a task that helps kids learn about organization and the importance of helping with family duties.

Tips:

Assign specific items for them to put away.
Show them where each type of food belongs in the kitchen.

10. Cleaning Their Room

Cleaning their room encompasses several smaller tasks, like putting away toys, organizing books, and tidying up their desk. It teaches kids about maintaining their personal space.

Tips:

Create a checklist of tasks for them to follow.
Encourage them to make cleaning a regular part of their routine.

Incorporating chores into your child's daily routine is a valuable way to teach them responsibility and life skills.

By assigning age-appropriate tasks, you help them build confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Start with simple chores and gradually introduce more complex tasks as they grow older. With patience and encouragement, your school-aged kids will develop a strong work ethic that will benefit them throughout their lives.