Have you come across those overly ambitious chore charts for kids circulating on social media? You know the ones I’m talking about—where toddlers are expected to carry firewood or where a 10-year-old is tasked with preparing dinner, deep cleaning the kitchen, and even hemming slacks? Seriously, am I the only one thinking, “What the heck?” I’m 37, and I can barely keep up with the tasks these charts claim kids should handle by certain ages.
So, I took it upon myself to create a more realistic chore guide for “the rest of us”—the everyday families who understand what kids can actually do and what parents are willing to redo. Let’s be honest; when kids tackle chores, it usually means parents end up doing a lot of the work over again.
Babies
Just kidding—babies don’t do chores. Not even for those super-organized parents who created those crazy chore charts in the first place.
Toddlers
- Toss dirty clothes and a toy or two in the general direction of the hamper.
- Try not to throw food on the floor.
- Keep bath water in the tub.
- Dispose of trash in the bin, not in Mom’s hand or hidden in random places.
- Fetch a juice box and open it without covering the carpet in juice.
- Alert Mom immediately when juice explodes on the carpet.
- Put all toys in the toy box—because “living room floor” does not equal “toy box.”
- Place used dishes in the sink without breaking them.
Elementary School Kids
- Aim for the hamper with dirty clothes—let’s hit the same spot Dad does.
- Hang up jackets and backpacks after school, not after 15 reminders.
- Put the lunchbox in the sink right after school, not the next morning when Mom is in a rush.
- For the love of all that’s holy, put away the Legos so Mom doesn’t step on them and scream.
Middle School Kids
- Keep bathroom items in one drawer so Mom doesn’t have to smell them.
- Charge your own devices.
- Empty the dishwasher without complaining.
- Toss your clothes in the hamper, and while you’re at it, pick up Dad’s socks that missed the target too. Fair’s fair!
High School Kids
- Surprise your mom by vacuuming or dusting something occasionally.
- Cook a meal now and then.
- Familiarize yourself with the washing machine.
- Get a job to cover your own gas and cell 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 don’t care about your chores until we visit. Clean your dorm room, please. And for the love of everything, don’t drop out, get arrested, or develop substance abuse issues.
Kids Who Move Back Home
- Run errands so Mom doesn’t have to.
- Do your own laundry.
- Cook for yourself.
- Clean your own dishes.
- Seriously? You’re an adult now!
Kids in Their 30s Still Living at Home
- It’s time to move out.
I understand the desire to prevent raising entitled children, but do we really need to hold them to these unrealistic standards? And should we make parents feel guilty for not following these absurd recommendations? In our household, we have one child who loves to clean, while the other prefers walking the dog or tinkering with things. Both contribute to the family in their own ways.
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Summary
This chore chart offers a realistic approach to what children can accomplish at various ages. It acknowledges the differences in family dynamics and the unique contributions each child can make while encouraging responsibility without setting unattainable expectations.
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