Have you noticed those super ambitious chore charts for kids circulating on social media? They’re wild! I mean, really—why are we expecting toddlers to haul firewood or have a 10-year-old whip up dinner and organize the entire house? As a 37-year-old, I often find myself struggling to keep up with these so-called milestones. So, I’ve put together a more down-to-earth guide for parents like us who understand what kids can realistically do—and what we, as parents, are actually willing to redo. Because let’s be honest, when kids pitch in with chores, it often leads to us having to fix their work anyway.
Babies
Just kidding! Babies are not doing chores—sorry to those super-moms with their meticulously organized schedules who came up with these chore charts in the first place!
Toddlers
- Toss dirty clothes and a few toys in the general direction of the hamper.
- Try not to hurl food on the floor.
- Keep bathwater in the bathtub (who knew, right?).
- Dispose of trash in the trash can, not in Mom’s hand or hidden away.
- Fetch their own juice box and open it without creating an explosion.
- Inform Mom immediately when juice manages to explode on the carpet.
- Put all toys in the toy box; “living room floor” should never count as “toy box.”
- Place used dishes in the sink, but gently please.
Elementary School Kids
- Aim to throw dirty clothes closer to the hamper—let’s make this a target practice!
- Hang up jackets and backpacks after school without needing reminders.
- Place dirty lunch boxes in the sink—ideally right after school, not the next morning!
- For the love of all that’s holy, put away Legos to save Mom’s feet from agony.
Middle School Kids
- Keep all bathroom items in one drawer so Mom doesn’t have to scent it.
- Charge your own devices without being told.
- Empty the dishwasher without complaining.
- Toss your clothes in the hamper, and it wouldn’t hurt to help pick up Dad’s stray socks too.
High School Kids
- Surprise Mom by vacuuming or dusting something once in a while.
- Cook a meal every now and then.
- Meet the washing machine, it’s your new best friend.
- Consider getting a job to cover your own gas and phone bills.
- Mow the lawn and take out the trash—responsibility looks good on you!
College Kids
- As long as you’re not living at home, we won’t bother you about chores—until we come to visit. Then, do us a favor and tidy up your dorm room. And for goodness’ sake, please avoid dropping out, getting pregnant, or developing any issues with substance use.
Kids Who Move Back Home
- Please run errands for Mom when asked.
- Handle your own laundry.
- Cook your own meals.
- Clean your own dishes.
- Seriously, you’re an adult now—let’s act like it!
Adults in Their 30s Living at Home
- Time to move out already, please!
I understand the concern about not raising entitled children, but do we really need to demand so much from kids? Should we make parents feel guilty for not following these unrealistic expert lists? Everyone has their own approach. In our home, one child loves to clean, and we encourage it, while the other prefers walking the dog or fixing gadgets, which we consider just as valuable as scrubbing floors.
This article was originally published on April 23, 2016.
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Summary:
This realistic chore chart offers a humorous look at what kids can and should do at different ages, tailored for everyday families. From toddlers to college students, it emphasizes the importance of responsibility without overwhelming kids or parents.