When it comes to household chores, you’ve got plenty of tasks to go around. More importantly, when kids are required to pitch in and help with age-appropriate chores, they’ll learn how to cooperate, gain a sense of independence and feel a sense of accomplishment. If you’re wondering what exactly to put on your chore chart for kids, we’ve broken it down by age, from toddlers up to tweens. From picking up toys to helping with dinner, here is our ultimate chore list for kids.

Age-Appropriate Chores for Ages 2-3

toddler doing age-appropriate chores
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Pick up the toys. Ask your toddler to help clean up when playtime is over, instead of doing it at the end of the day when you’d rather be watching Netflix instead of cleaning up DUPLO blocks.

Wipe up small spills. This is an easy one and is especially important if they are the ones that made the mess. Don't make a big deal, just let them know they need to clean up after themselves.

Put shoes away. A toddler can easily put his shoes away, especially if there's a special bin or shelf for footwear.

Put dirty clothes in the hamper. Show your little one where clothes go before he chooses his own drop spot.

Match socks. An easy way to let someone else worry about why there's always one sock missing.

Throw away trash. Kids can start putting trash in its proper place at an early age. 

Pick up sticks in the yard. What's more fun than collecting sticks?

Sort the groceries. Preschool-aged kids can help you put away things like cereal, snacks, canned goods, and other things that aren't too heavy or breakable. 

Chore List for Kids Ages 4-5

putting away silverwear should be on a chore list for kids ages 4 to 5
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All of the chores listed above. 

Put away clean utensils. It’s the little things!

Brush their own teeth. This is an easy self-care chore that any preschooler can tackle.

Fold washcloths or napkins. Something small and square is the perfect first item to have your pre-k kid learn how to fold.

Make their own bed. This is a tough one because busy school mornings can get in the way. Weekends are wide open, however, and there’s nothing like a made bed to give your home a clean, fresh feeling.

Collect the mail. This one doesn't even feel like a chore.

Bring their belongings in from the car. Whether it's their toys or backpack, four-and five-year-olds are old enough to make sure everything gets inside at the end of the day. 

 

Related: 11 Reasons Why Chores Make Kids More Successful (According to Studies)

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids Ages 6-7

little boy doing age-appropriate chores
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All of the chores listed above.

Help prep a basic meal. If kids with knives don't sound like a good idea, there are plenty of other things they can do. Think: gather ingredients, measure spices, crack and whisk eggs, grate some cheese, flip pancakes, and more.

Wipe down surfaces. Kids this age are perfectly capable of spraying, wiping, and cleaning down a surface. Especially if they are the ones that made the mess in the first place.

Take control of their school gear. Stop gathering your kids’ stuff every night or morning. These early years are the right time to set up good work habits.

Water the plants. This is a great chore to help develop organizational skills. Have your kid schedule a once-a-week date with a watering can on the calendar.

Help carry in groceries. Unless you're using the multiple trips to and from the car as your cardio for the day.

Set and clear the table. You prepared the meal, so your kids should help to set and clear the plates. Simple as that. 

Put away laundry. Imagine a place where the laundry gets put away instead of collecting dust in a basket somewhere. It can be a reality, we promise!

Feed pets. Your grade-school-aged kid loves the dog, the chickens, and the family turtle. Well, no time like the present to teach him how to take care of something smaller than he is. 

Chore List for Kids Ages 8-10

little boy doing laundry, a good thing to put on a chore list for kids ages 8-10
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All of the chores listed above. 

Basic home maintenance. At around 10, kids can begin to do small tasks around the house that helps with upkeep like putting in new lightbulbs, changing batteries, and hanging small pictures. 

Load and unload the dishwasher. Most days, after unloading, the thing fills right back up and needs to be unloaded again. Your early tween is an ideal candidate for helping out with this daily task.

Help with recycling and garbage. Older kids can sort recyclables, empty wastebaskets, and help pull trash cans in from the road. It’s also a good way for them to learn about consumption and to see where waste goes.  

Vacuum the rugs. The best part about handing off this task is that your kids will have to keep their rooms picked up in order to fulfill their duty.

Dust shelves, blinds, and furniture. A Swiffer duster makes this chore a breeze. 

Clean the mirrors in the bathrooms. Older kids are strong enough, and usually tall enough to reach the top of the mirror by now. Pass the Windex.

Move clothes from the washer to the dryer. Most kids ages eight and up are tall enough (and old enough) to start helping with the laundry. If there are items you don't want in the dryer or if you like to use a certain heat setting, be sure to show the kids the ropes in advance.

Related: Parents Hatch Genius Plot to Catch Their Kids Skipping Chores

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids Ages 10-12

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All of the chores listed above. 

Walk the dog. Take pet care to the next level by asking your tween to take on giving Fido his daily workout. 

Help with grocery shopping. Give your big kid his own list at the store, and arrange to meet up at the checkout. You'll cut your shopping time in half!

Vacuum out the car. She's already tackled vacuuming the living room and her bedroom. Add on the family car once a month or every other week. 

Babysit for siblings or relatives in small increments. Whether it's to take charge at a social or family gathering or leave your tween in charge for 30 minutes while you run a quick errand, this is a good age to test the waters for child care. 

Rake leaves. Before you can mow the grass, the leaves need to be raked. Tweens can handle this, plus it's a great way to keep them outside and off tablets. 

Change their own bedsheets (and keep the bed made). This is a chore that only takes a few minutes, but it's a game changer when it comes to feeling like you're on top of the mess. 

 

If they can brush their teeth, they can also get out the door on time (We promise!)

School mornings can be a busy and sometimes stressful time when your kids are little. But as they get older, there’s a whole bunch of things they can be doing on their own to help out! Not only does it make your morning run a little smoother, but it also helps kids develop necessary life skills, gain confidence and become well-rounded, competent adults. Here’s our list that’ll help you set morning chores for kids—one they can definitely handle on their own each school day by the time they’re 10.

1. Get out of bed on their own. When they’re babies, going in to get your kids out of the crib and up for the day is a sweet moment. But if you’re still going in and waking up your kid long after the wee baby stage, you may want to pass that task over to them. They can—and should be able to—get themselves up for school independently. Every day. And if they’re late? It’s not your fault, mom.

2. Get dressed. This sounds pretty obvious, but getting dressed with zero micromanaging from you is key. It may be tempting to check and see if your kids remembered to put on underwear, or if their shirts and pants match, but this is another skill they can totally master on their own. Besides—letting them express themselves with their wardrobe is fun!

3. Make their breakfast. Again, it sounds like an easy morning chore. But encouraging your little scholars to make healthy choices and take control of their breakfast from a young age is the best way to help them eat well—plus it frees up your morning!

4. Make their own lunch—or at least help. Younger ones (like kindergarten-aged kids) may need some help with this. But for the most part, getting your kid involved in choosing and making their own lunch means they’ll likely eat the entire thing! It’s also a great opportunity to teach them about balanced diets.

5. Tidy up their own mess. So they’ve made breakfast and packed their lunch, and now there are dishes everywhere! Kids need to know they need to tidy up after themselves as well. This morning chore is great for helping them develop important life skills.

Related: 12 Ways to Help Your Kids Master the Morning Routine

little girl packing her backpack, an easy morning chore for kids
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6. Pack their school bag. Kids will sometimes tell their teachers “Oh, my mom forgot to pack <insert various items here> in my backpack today.” And teachers generally respond with “Did your mom forget it? Or did you?” Gotcha, kid! If they need to remember something, they need to put it in their bag themselves.

7. Keep track of their library books/homework, etc. If it’s library day and suddenly your kid’s book is missing, it’s not your job to find it. They’re definitely old enough by now to keep track of all their own things—including where they left their homework.

8. Decide what outerwear they’ll need that day. Arguments over appropriate footwear and outerwear for all types of temperatures are never fun. Let your kids decide if they need that spare pair of mittens in the winter. One cold, wet, miserable day without them, and they’ll likely make good decisions!

9. Brush their teeth. Despite needing a billion and one reminders when they’re little, as they get older, kids should really be able to remember to brush their teeth—and do it properly—before each school day.

10. Get out the door on time. Getting out the door seems to be one of the toughest tasks when the kids are really young. But as they get older, this is another task they should be able to handle themselves. It’s really all about raising our kids to be competent adults one day—and that means that they’re going to have to arrive at places on time.

Related: 5 Simple Ways to Help Your Kid Establish a Morning Routine

Who doesn’t love a surprise? Good ones, I mean. Kids love fun surprises and our family has a great tradition I want to share with you. We call them Mystery Rides. Adults, sometimes with the help of older kids, plan a fun place to take the kids. The mystery? Don’t tell the kids where they are going.

Make it a Mystery Ride!

Our family can thank my dad’s sister, Barbara, for all of it. She has been taking individual members of the family for Mystery Rides for as long as I can remember. In fact, one time, she took the entire family, which filled a large school bus, for a hike and picnic. My kids have great memories of family time thanks to those rides.

Our rides have rules, well, guidelines. It makes for more fun, engages the entire family, makes the best memories, encourages thinking and even builds a sense of direction. I could go on about all the life skills or educational benefits, but I will get on with the rules (no electronics is a must). Here are the basics. The rest is up to you and your imagination.

Choose kid-friendly locations.
Nobody thinks a ride to get the oil changed is fun. Rides to do everyday errands are not good mysteries. Think zoo, park, trip to Grandma’s house (if that would be a big deal). I will share some of our faves later.

Choose free or low-cost venues. 
You will be surprised at what you can find within driving distance that costs little or nothing. Not everything is free, but look for coupons or discounts, check online for specials or family events. You don’t always have to go free, but if you’re like me and have literally half a dozen kids, you’re frugal.

Choose locations that build on your kids’ interests and hobbies.
Then choose ones that none of you would ever do. Enrich when possible, then think outside the box and try something totally out of your comfort zone. Auntie Barbara once took my Gram to see cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and if you knew my Gram, that was outside the box! Inspiration could strike anytime, any place.

Kids can ask questions to get hints during the ride.
But our family only allows yes-no questions, so parents give tiny bits of information. Here are some examples: Have we been here before? Is it a public place? Is it a private home? Will we look at objects or people? Will we touch or make something? Kids, even the youngest ones, can get really creative with their thinking and questioning.

Hints may come before leaving home.
depending on your destination, it might come in the form of telling kids what to wear. For example, if you’re going to a park to hike and have a picnic, kids need to wear proper footwear and you might need to pack food. Here is where you make use of your spouse, a discreet older sibling, or another adult helper.

Bring a friend or another whole family.
The more the merrier, really! If you have room in your car, take a friend along. If not, invite the entire family to join in the fun in their own car!

Don’t give it away.
The idea of the mystery ride is, you guessed it, a mystery. It is to build suspense and engage the family in a common task. As the kids ask questions and you answer, one might actually guess your destination. As much as possible, don’t show it, unless you’ve arrived, or you are prepared to give instructions on what to expect and so on.

Obviously, some Mystery Rides work out better than others. If you repeat a ride, that can flop, unless they love it. If you can afford it, make one a family vacation or even a short weekend away. That would be cool, but most of ours are day trips to places we haven’t been before.

Local fairs, seasonal events and places where kids can touch and do are more successful than places kids just watch a show of some sort, at least in my experience. Overall, food destinations have been duds for us, but every family is different. That is the beauty of the Mystery Ride.

Here are my kids’ top few favorite destinations over the years:

  • Local school playground near our house (not their school)
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo (you can feed giraffes or sea lions!)
  • Paint Night (where an instructor does one and you each do your own)
  • Hiking at cliffs nearby our home

Can’t wait for you to try it out with your crew.

Go Au Pair representative, cultural childcare advocate, Mom to six great kids, I earned my BS at RI College and MEd at Providence College. My hats: educator, tutor and writer of local blog for Go Au Pair families and Au Pairs. Baking, gardening, reading and relaxing on the porch are hobbies.

The Grinch may be a mean one, but his sense of style is actually quite nice. If you have a soft spot in your heart for the grumpy green guy, you’ll love the latest additions to this collection from Skechers! The Dr. Seuss Grinch Collection has styles for the whole family and features illustrations of the signature characters—but it’s only around for a limited time.

Whether you’re looking for a casual slip-on sneaker or something even cozier, this line has you covered. The BOBS products even donates to save shelter animals’ lives! Your kids can also get in on the fun with a new winter boot and light-up sneaker.

BOBS from Skechers Beach Bingo – Who-Christmas-Sing

Skechers

Snag this sneaker for ultimate comfort and Grinchy style. It features a scrunch back for easy slipping on and off, plus memory foam and the whole Whoville crew. Buy it for $58

Skechers Street Roadies – Ugly Sweaters

Skechers

If you're looking for something a little edgier, you'll love this white leather lace up boot. Featuring a Grinch-worthy catchphrase, it's the perfect accessory for the holiday parties you don't really want to attend. You'll be able to buy it soon for $90. 

 

 

Skechers Vortex – Flash – Grinchly

Skechers

Don't leave the little ones behind! This slip-on runs up to 13.5 and features a Grinch design with a stretch-laced front. The light-up midsole adds an extra special touch. Buy it here for $55

 

Skechers Hypno-Flash 3.0 – Too Late to be Good

Finally, upgrade those winter boots with a Grinch-tastic new style. The cold weather footwear has a soft fleece collar and vibrant lights in the midsole. You'll be able to buy it soon for $62-68. 

If your favorite style isn’t available now, check back throughout the month as Skechers adds more products to the collection. Help us, we’re FEELING!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Skechers

 

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If your kid is one of the 30 million who subscribes to Ryan’s World on YouTube, they’ll be stoked for this news! Skechers has collaborated with the kid star to release a limited edition shoe collection, out now. It’s the first time a major shoe brand has offered a young YouTube personality a global footwear deal.

Of course, Ryan released one of his signature videos to break the news. You can watch it now and go behind the scenes as the collection comes to life!

With three styles to choose from, your family will be back to school in style. Ryan’s Challenge is a light-up slip-on style with bungee laces, Gamer Ryan is a slip-on with a Magna-Fit toggle closure and the classic Red Titan sneaker is canvas with Ryan’s superhero character design. The shoes range from $57 to $62 and come in sizes from a kid’s 10.5 to 5.

The shoe collection is limited edition and available now online at Skechers. No doubt your kids can’t wait to unbox these!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Skechers

 

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Summer’s here! It’s time to get your outdoor enthusiast properly geared up for warm-weather adventures with a pair of water-friendly shoes that’ll take them from the pool to the park and back home again in style. Since we know it can be hard to figure out what they want, we searched high and low for tough footwear that isn’t afraid of a little H20, and that we know they’ll love. From Keen to Native Shoes, scroll down to see our favorite water shoes for kids.

Native Shoes Jefferson Bloom

This very popular shoe is not only comfy, but it can go just about everywhere, even in the pool! Offered in a dozen different colors, the Jefferson Bloom is a best bet for just about any kid. Super cool: they are made from repurposed algae! 

Buy them here, $40 & up.

Northside Cedar Rapids

Creek-jumping adventures await with this fun and comfortable shoe from Northside. No socks are needed and your kids can get them on and off with ease. They are super grippy on the sole and perfect for hikes and jumping off rocks. Bonus: they come in adult sizes too!

Buy them here, $40. 

Adidas's Hydroterra Shandal Water Shoe

Ever heard of a shandal? Neither had we, but we think this water shoe from Adidas is pretty cool. It's a lightweight hiking shoe that can withstand wading in creeks or jumping in puddles. They have an easy on-off lace-free closure and a collapsible heel that makes it easy for little ones to manage. 

Buy them here, $60. 

UBFEN Water Socks 

These unique water shoes have rubber soles that are perfect for climbing and running and lightweight and quick drying. Plus, they come in dozens of different colors and prints. 

Buy them here, $19.99 & up.

Teva’s Hurricane Sandal

The original outdoor/water shoe is always a good choice. The velcro fastenings make it easy for kids to take on and off and the foam bed offers comfort all day long. 

Buy them here, $27.97 & up.

plae’s mimo Loafers

Stylish, made with water-friendly and quick-dry lightweight EVA, plae’s mimo loafers can go from the playground to dinner with ease. 

Buy them here, $27.56 & up. 

Northside Burke

This closed-toe option has a velcro back for easy on and off that kids can do themselves. A sturdy sole means they won't be slipping on rocks as you walk. 

Buy yours here, $35. 

KEEN’s Newport H2 Sandal

A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles. 

Buy them here, $43.90 & up.

Stride Rite’s Made2Play Phibian

This fun shoe from Stride Rite is a perfect wet/dry shoe for toddlers. They are 100% washable, have a rubber outsole for traction and have Aegis™ and Biome™ lining that helps to reduce odor. 

Buy them here, $19.95.

hiitave Kids Water Shoes

Simple but effective, these non-slip water shoes are perfect for on-the-go or travel, as they easily fold up and the rubber sole means kids can walk on wet surfaces with ease. 

Buy them here, $12.99 & up.

World Wide Sportsman Eagle Peak Water Shoes

We can’t help but love the price of these water shoes! You won't be disappointed with this pick with toe bumpers and rugged outsoles for added protection and traction. 

Buy them here, $19.99.

Crocs

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

They may be less than stylish for adults, but they are super comfortable and come in dozens of styles and character collections, which make them perfect for kids! You can even buy JIBBITZ charms and let the kids decorate in their own style. 

Buy them here, $34.99 & up. 

—Gabby Cullen

All images courtesy of retailers.

Featured image: Torsten Dederichs via Unsplash

At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

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If your family has a passion for sneakers and LEGOs, the following news will make your day. The LEGO Group just announced two exciting drops that combine the best of both worlds: an actual sneaker that’s emulates the look of LEGO bricks and a brick sneaker that you can build and display proudly with the rest of your collection.

First up, the adidas Originals LEGO Superstar sneaker. It will be available in both kid and adult sizes and will likely make people do a double take when it’s on your feet. Purposefully styled to mirror the LEGO brick pattern, it also features the classic adidas black and white leather and three stripes. Don’t forget the gold foil accents! You can buy it as part of the adidas x LEGO collection on July 1.

Want to take it as step further? You’ll also be able to buy a set to make your own adidas shoe out of bricks! The LEGO adidas Originals Superstar 10282 model is life-sized and features the iconic sneaker graphics and branding. It includes 17 extra elements so you can decide if your brick footwear is right or left-footed. It even comes with shoelaces and an authentic shoe box, so we don’t blame you if you try to slip it on. You can find this model exclusively online starting July 1 for $80.

LEGO also has some great ideas for customizing your brick sneaker (spoiler alert, many bricks you own currently can be added on). The company is constantly innovating and we can’t wait to see what comes out next!

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of the LEGO Group

 

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Get ready for a collab that’s packed with super-cool, super-comfy mom style! HATCH and Keds recently teamed up to create a brand-new line of fab footwear.

If your S.O., kiddos, or other loved one are still on the search for a Mother’s Day gift, the Keds x HATCH pairing is the perfect present for any mama on-the-go. With clothes and gear for every step of a mother’s life, HATCH’s must-have products now extend down to your toes.

Beloved brand Keds has kept your feet completely comfortable for decades. The new collaboration features three styles—The Champion Canvas ($65), The Ace Leather ($85), and The Doubledecker Terry ($75). The cool kicks are more than just functional footwear. Even though the shoes provide the support your tired mama feet need, the collection is also high on style.

With pretty pink accents and two sets of heart-covered laces, The Champion Canvas is breathable, comfortable, and so much more. If you’re more of a leather sneaker girl, The Ace Leather is chic, sleek, and completely cute.

Whether you’re just too preggo to bend over and tie your laces or you just don’t have the time to add one more muss and fuss chore to the list, The Doubledecker Terry is a sweet slip-on that will make you feel carefree.

Find the Keds x HATCH collection online here!

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Keds x HATCH

 

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Spring has sprung and the flowers aren’t only in your garden. Vera Bradley and Crocs recently teamed up—and the result is a perfectly pretty pairing of fab florals and functional footwear.

The current collection is the third line from the brand-to-brand collab. This time Vera Bradley and Crocs are back with a paradise-inspired line of stylish, yet completely comfortable, shoes.

Look for springy prints, Rain Forest Canopy Pink and Rain Forest Leaves, in the styles you’ve come to know and love from Crocs. These include the Classic Clog and Kadee Sandal.

Along with the floral footwear, the Vera Bradley x Crocs collaboration also features Jibbitz charms. Adorn your spring-time Crocs with the flowers and leaves limited edition Tropical three-pack ($9.99) of charms or a trio of tropics-themed birds (also $9.99) Jibbitz!

Nab a pair of Crocs Classic Rain Forest Canopy Pink Clogs or Crocs Classic Rain Forest Leaves Clogs for $49.99 each online at verabradley.com. You’ll also find Crocs Kadee Rain Forest Canopy Pink Sandals and Crocs Kadee Rain Forest Leaves Sandals for $29.99 on the Vera Bradley website. You can also find the footwear on the Crocs website here in mid-May.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Vera Bradley/Crocs

 

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