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Guide · updated 2026

Age-appropriate chores by age

Kids can start helping as toddlers and take on more each year. By 4–5 they can make their bed and set the table; by 6–8 they can feed pets and sort laundry; 9–11s can load the dishwasher and help cook; and teens can run full chores start to finish. Here’s the complete chart by age — with suggested points for each stage.

Track these in Pointsy — free

The chart at a glance

AgeNew this stageSuggested points
2–3Tidying up after themselves2–3 pts
4–5Simple daily routines3–5 pts
6–8Independent chores & pet care5–8 pts
9–11Kitchen & outdoor help8–12 pts
12–14Full chores, start to finish12–18 pts
15+Adult-level responsibility15–25 pts

The full chart, age by age

Each stage builds on the last — keep the earlier chores going as new ones are added.

  • Ages 2–3

    2–3 pts

    Toddlers — short, playful tasks with you nearby.

    • Put toys in a bin
    • Clothes in the hamper
    • Wipe up spills
    • Feed pets (with help)
    • Dust with a sock
    • Stack books

  • Ages 4–5

    3–5 pts

    Simple routines they can own with reminders.

    • Make their bed
    • Set & clear the table
    • Water plants
    • Sort laundry by colour
    • Tidy their room
    • Match socks

  • Ages 6–8

    5–8 pts

    More independence and daily responsibility.

    • Make bed neatly
    • Feed & water pets
    • Sweep or vacuum
    • Pack their school bag
    • Fold laundry
    • Take out recycling

  • Ages 9–11

    8–12 pts

    Kitchen and outdoor jobs, with less supervision.

    • Load/unload dishwasher
    • Take out the trash
    • Help cook a meal
    • Clean the bathroom sink
    • Walk the dog
    • Rake leaves

  • Ages 12–14

    12–18 pts

    Full chores, start to finish, on their own.

    • Laundry start to finish
    • Cook a simple meal
    • Mow the lawn
    • Wash the car
    • Clean the kitchen
    • Watch younger siblings

  • Ages 15+

    15–25 pts

    Adult-level tasks and managing their own time.

    • Plan & cook full meals
    • Deep-clean rooms
    • Grocery shop from a list
    • Yard work
    • Run errands
    • Manage own schedule

Turn the chart into points

Pick a few chores for your child’s age, set the suggested points, and let them earn and redeem — no cash, no chart on the fridge. Not sure what things should cost? The calculators do the math.

Reward calculator — what should a reward cost?Allowance calculator — points or cash by age?

Common questions

What chores can a 5-year-old do?

A 5-year-old can make their bed, set and clear the table, put away toys, sort laundry, water plants, and feed a pet with help. Keep tasks short and specific.

Should young kids be paid for chores?

Many families use points or privileges rather than cash for younger kids — it teaches responsibility without handing over money. Pointsy is built exactly for that: points now, real money later if you choose.

How many chores is too many?

Start with 1–3 daily chores and add as they build the habit. Consistency matters more than volume — a few chores done every day beats a long list done rarely.

Make the chart actually stick

Set age-appropriate chores as points your kids earn and redeem — free, private, and nothing to install.

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