ChoreDoAge-appropriate chores by age: a chart for every stage
Chores teach responsibility, build confidence and lighten the load for everyone — but the trick is matching the job to the age. Ask too much and a child gives up; ask too little and they stay bored. This chart breaks chores down by age band so you can pick jobs your child can genuinely handle, then grow them over time.
How to use this chart
Every child is different — these are starting points, not rules. Pick one or two chores from your child's age band, show them how (don't just tell them), and let them own it for a couple of weeks before adding more. The goal isn't a spotless house today; it's a capable kid in five years.
Toddlers (2–3 years): play jobs
Too little for 'chores' — at this age they're play jobs: tiny, playful helper moments done right beside you. It's all about copying you and learning that helping is fun.
- ✓Put toys in a basket
- ✓Throw nappies/rubbish in the bin
- ✓Wipe up small spills with a cloth
- ✓Put books back on a low shelf
- ✓Help feed a pet (you measure, they pour)
Preschoolers (4–5 years): little jobs & first quests
Now they can follow two- and three-step little jobs and take real pride in finishing — perfect for their first quests, tied to a routine (after breakfast, before bed).
- ✓Make their bed (pull up the duvet)
- ✓Get dressed and put pyjamas away
- ✓Set the table with unbreakable items
- ✓Water plants
- ✓Match socks and sort clean laundry
Early primary (6–8 years): the quest sweet spot
This is where ChoreDo shines. School-age kids work more independently, handle multi-step jobs, and are hugely motivated by quests, gold and levelling up.
- ✓Tidy their room properly
- ✓Help load or unload the dishwasher
- ✓Take out the rubbish and recycling
- ✓Fold and put away laundry
- ✓Pack their own school bag and lunch
Pre-teens (9–11 years): quests they own
Still right in ChoreDo's sweet spot. Pre-teens can take ownership of whole quests from start to finish, and start pitching in on shared family jobs.
- ✓Vacuum and sweep floors
- ✓Prepare a simple meal (toast, sandwiches, cereal)
- ✓Wash dishes by hand
- ✓Take care of a pet (feed, walk, clean)
- ✓Help with younger siblings under supervision
Teens (12+ years)
Teenagers can handle nearly any household job and benefit from chores that build real-world independence before they leave home.
- ✓Cook a full meal from a recipe
- ✓Do laundry start to finish
- ✓Clean a bathroom
- ✓Mow the lawn / yard work
- ✓Manage their own schedule and budget
FAQ
At what age should kids start doing chores?
As young as two. Toddlers can't clean the house, but they can put a toy in a basket or throw rubbish in the bin — and starting early builds the habit long before it feels like a 'chore'.
Should I pay kids for chores?
It's a personal call. Many families keep everyday chores unpaid (you help because you're part of the family) and offer pay or rewards for bigger, optional jobs. ChoreDo lets you do either — set some quests as expected and others as reward-earning.
How many chores is too many?
Start with one or two per child and build up. Consistency beats volume — a child who reliably does two chores has learned more than one overwhelmed by six.
Turn chores into quests kids actually want to do
ChoreDo turns everyday chores into quests — kids earn gold, level up and unlock rewards you choose. Free to use.
Get started