What age should we start?

From 2-3 years old kids can help with small things. Consistency matters more than difficulty.

Weekly allowance or per chore?

If you decide to give money, a small weekly allowance works better than per-chore pay, which turns obligations into transactions.

Household chores for kids: an age-by-age guide

Sharing household chores with kids isn't only help for parents: it's a tool for autonomy and life skills. The key is to assign age-reasonable chores and make them visible, not shout reminders.

Chores by age

A simple guide you can adapt to your family:

3-5: put away toys, set napkins, water plants
6-8: make the bed, set and clear the table, take out laundry
9-12: load the dishwasher, pack the school bag, walk the dog
13+: cook simple meals, do basic grocery runs, do laundry

Make them visible, don't repeat them

A shared list in a family app removes the 'sergeant' parent role. When a kid sees their chore with a checkbox, they own it.

Rewards: don't incentivize everything

Basic chores (tidying their room) shouldn't be paid: they are part of living together. Rewards work best for extras (washing the car, helping in the garden).

Frequently asked questions

What age should we start?: From 2-3 years old kids can help with small things. Consistency matters more than difficulty.
Weekly allowance or per chore?: If you decide to give money, a small weekly allowance works better than per-chore pay, which turns obligations into transactions.