Age-Appropriate Chores List: Chores by Age for Kids 4 to 14

Quick answerKids ages 4 to 5 can handle simple tidying and helping, 6 to 8 can own daily routines like making their bed and setting the table, 9 to 11 can do multi-step chores like laundry and dishes, and 12 to 14 can handle near-adult tasks like cooking simple meals and mowing. Start with two or three daily chores at any age.

Ages 4 to 5

Put toys back in bins
Put dirty clothes in the hamper
Feed a pet (with help measuring)
Wipe up spills
Carry their plate to the counter

Ages 6 to 8

Make their bed
Set and clear the table
Pack their backpack for tomorrow
Water plants
Sort laundry by color
20 minutes of reading

Ages 9 to 11

Load or unload the dishwasher
Run a load of laundry and fold it
Take out trash and recycling
Vacuum one room
Clean their bathroom sink and mirror
Finish homework before screens

Ages 12 to 14

Cook a simple meal with supervision
Mow the lawn or do yard work
Clean a full bathroom
Do their own laundry start to finish
Help a younger sibling with homework
Wash the car

How many chores per day?

Two to three required daily chores is plenty for most kids. Use bigger chores (car, yard, deep cleaning) as optional bonus tasks rather than daily requirements.

Best chores for earning screen time

The best ones are daily, quick to check, and visible: bed made, dishwasher unloaded, homework done, reading time logged. A parent should be able to confirm them in under a minute.

Do it with Peep

How to use Peep for this

Peep lets you set different daily missions for each kid, so your 6 year old and your 11 year old aren't on the same list. Bigger jobs work well as bonus quests that earn a little extra time.

Install Peep on your iPhoneDownload Peep, create your family, and add each kid. You'll get a nest code for every kid.
Set the daily missionsPick the chores and tasks that have to happen each day, and how much screen time they earn (up to 4 hours a day).
Connect your kid's deviceInstall Peep on your kid's iPhone or iPad, enter the nest code, and choose the apps to lock. Peep checks that the lock is really working before setup finishes.
Approve with one tapYour kid checks off missions. You get a notification and approve from your own phone. Their apps unlock automatically.

Common questions

How many chores should a 7 year old do?

Two or three short daily chores is a good start, like making the bed, packing the backpack, and setting the table.

Should chores be the same for siblings?

Not necessarily. Match chores to age and ability, and keep the rules (done before screens) the same for everyone.