Have you come across those overly ambitious chore charts for kids on social media? They often suggest that toddlers should be hauling firewood or that a 10-year-old should be whipping up dinner, deep cleaning the kitchen, and even sewing. Seriously, who came up with this stuff? I’m 37 and struggle to keep up with the expectations these charts set for our children.
So, I’ve decided to put together a more down-to-earth chore guide for families like ours, who understand what kids can realistically do—and what parents are prepared to redo. Let’s be honest, when kids tackle chores, it usually means parents end up doing some extra work to fix things.
Babies
Just to clarify, babies don’t do chores. Not even for those super-organized parents with color-coded charts!
Toddlers
- Toss a few dirty clothes and maybe a toy or two near the hamper.
- Try not to throw food on the floor.
- Keep bath water in the tub, please.
- Dispose of trash in the trash can—not in Mom’s hands or hidden away.
- Fetch their own juice box without creating a mess.
- Immediately inform Mom if there’s a juice spill.
- Put toys in the toy box; “living room floor” does not equal “toy box.”
- Place used dishes in the sink without breaking them.
Elementary School Kids
- Aim dirty clothes closer to the hamper—getting it onto the floor would be a win!
- Hang up jackets and backpacks when they get home, not after several reminders.
- Place the lunch box in the sink right after school, not the next morning when Mom is rushing.
- Please, for everyone’s sake, put away the Legos so Mom can avoid stepping on them.
Middle School Kids
- Keep all your bathroom items in one drawer to spare Mom from the smell.
- Charge your own devices, please.
- Empty the dishwasher without complaining.
- Toss your clothes in the hamper and pick up Dad’s stray socks too—fairness aside!
High School Kids
- Surprise your parents by vacuuming or dusting now and then.
- Cook a meal occasionally.
- Learn how to use the washing machine.
- Get a job to cover your own gas and phone bills.
- Mow the lawn and take out the trash; it’s a good look for you!
College Kids
- If you’re living away from home, we won’t bother you about chores, but do clean your dorm room for our visits. And please, avoid dropping out, getting into trouble, or developing any serious issues.
Kids Who Move Back Home
- Run errands for Mom.
- Handle your own laundry.
- Cook your meals.
- Clean your dishes.
- Seriously, you’re an adult now!
Kids in Their 30s Still Living at Home
- Just move out already!
We all want to raise responsible children, but do we really need to hold them to unrealistic standards? Should parents feel guilty for not following the impractical advice laid out by “experts”? In our household, one kid enjoys cleaning while the other prefers walking the dog or tinkering with gadgets, and we value that just as much as mopping the floor.
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In summary, fostering a sense of responsibility in children is important, but expectations should be grounded in reality. This chore chart is a lighthearted approach to what kids can actually handle as they grow.