PouchChores by age
35 starting ideas, grouped by age. Use them as a menu: kids of the same age vary a lot, and you know what yours can do safely. Each group can go straight into Pouch or onto a printable chart.
Ages 2 to 3
- Put toys in the toy bin
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper
- Put books back on the shelf
- Wipe up a small spill
- Help fill the pet bowl
Ages 4 to 5
- Make bed (their way)
- Clear own plate after meals
- Water the plants
- Match clean socks
- Help sort the recycling (paper and plastic)
- Set out napkins and spoons
Ages 6 to 7
- Make bed
- Feed the pet
- Put away clean laundry
- Empty small trash bins
- Pack school bag
- Unload the dishwasher (no sharp knives)
Ages 8 to 9
- Load the dishwasher
- Fold laundry
- Vacuum one room
- Take out the recycling
- Put away groceries
- Rake leaves
Ages 10 to 12
- Wipe the bathroom sink and mirror
- Change bed sheets
- Walk the dog (with a grown-up at first)
- Wash the car
- Help cook dinner (with a grown-up)
- Do a load of own laundry
Ages 13 and up
- Cook a simple family dinner
- Clean the kitchen after dinner
- Write the grocery list
- Mop the floors
- Clean the fridge shelves
- Do own laundry start to finish
How to pick from the list
- Pick two or three to start. A short list a kid finishes beats a long one they ignore.
- Show it once, then step back. Do the chore together the first time, then let them do it their way. A lumpy bed still counts.
- Mix ages up. Younger kids can try a chore from the next group with you nearby, except jobs with cleaners, knives or heat; older kids still do the easy ones.
- Keep sharp, hot and heavy jobs for later. Knives, the stove, chemicals and power tools need an adult’s call for each kid, whatever their age.
Paid chores or not?
Some families pay for each chore, some give a set allowance and treat chores as part of living together, and others mix the two (everyday jobs unpaid, bigger extras paid). Pouch handles all three. Give a chore a price and a tick adds it to the balance; leave the price empty and it’s a plain checkbox.
For amounts, see the allowance by age guide.