21 Age Appropriate Chores for 2-5 Yr Olds

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If you are looking for some age appropriate chores for your little ones then you’ve come to the right spot. By age two, most children are able to adhere to simple one or two step instructions. I’m not saying that kids should be scrubbing floors and washing windows but, if your children are old enough to listen and adhere to instructions then they are old enough to help out don’t you think? Here are some easy child-tested chores that will not only help teach your children responsibility but, will also help them feel like one of the team.

1. Hand dry dishes

Plastic dishes and utensils can easily be wiped using a soft cloth. Make sure to leave drying knives and glassware to the grown-ups.

2. Load washer/dryer

It may take a bit longer to load than doing it yourself but this is a task that even a 2 year old can get involved in.

3. Fold clothes

Everything will not be perfect but it’s great idea to start practicing now.

4. Wipe eating surfaces

Minimally by age three, have your child start wiping his table mat and the area that he has eaten.

5. Put away toys

Having children pick up after themselves is a great rule to start implementing now. You won’t regret when they get older.

6. Set table

I am not saying set the table for a six course meal but, a small child is capable of at least placing his mat, cup and spoon/fork at his setting. Once they get the hang of that, have them do the same for the rest of the table too!

7. Water Plants

Place water in a small plastic cup or mini watering can so that it is easy to carry.

8. Help prepare meals and snacks

Kids love helping out in the kitchen. Tasks like washing produce, mixing batters and rolling dough are easy to do and lots of fun. Not to mention, helping out in the kitchen is a great way to teach simple arithmetic skills.

9. Put away trash

Kids love throwing things into the trash…even items that are not supposed to be there. You should have no problem with this one.

10. Sort recyclables

Teach kids to care for the environment by having them help you sort items for recycling.

11. Help load/unload dishwasher

Same as drying dishes, leave loading and uploading of knives, glass and sharp objects for the adults.

12. Open windows in morning

Let the sunshine in! Little hands and arms tire easily so make sure you are around to help if needed.

13. Close windows at night

Closing the windows can be a great cue to get ready for the bedtime routine.

14. Help feed family pet

As always, never leave your child alone or unattended with the family pet or any pet for that matter.

15. Rinse produce

This a fun way for kids to help out. Hopefully your floors don’t get wet in the process.

16. Pull weeds

When the weather is nice, the more hands to pull the weeds, the merrier…even if those hands are small.

17. Help pick produce from family garden

Having kids help in the family garden is a great way to teach lessons in science, health and sustainability.

18. Check the mailbox

This task has to be done with adult supervision of course.

19. Pick up newspaper

If you have a local paper delivered, go outside with your child but have them pick it up.

20. Start dishwasher

Starting the dishwasher requires the simple pressing of a button and let’s face it…kids are naturally good at “pressing buttons”.

21. Clean up spills

A small spill can be easily cleaned with a few paper towels in small hands. Of course, mom or dad should observe the size of the spill and be available to help too as spills can get really messy and sometimes sticky quickly.

So the next time your little one says, “Can I help?”, reference this list because there is lots and lots to do.

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