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Chores for 8-year-olds

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Quick answer

Many 8-year-olds are ready for their first bigger jobs: unloading the dishwasher (sharp knives removed by an adult), vacuuming one room, folding towels, making their bed, and taking out the trash. Show each job once and stay nearby. Kids vary, so add one big job at a time.

Moving from small tasks to whole jobs

At this age a chore can have a clear start and a clear finish, such as "vacuum the living room" or "empty the dishwasher." Whole jobs give a child something to be proud of, and they free up your time.

Teach each big job in three rounds: you do it while they watch, you do it together, then they do it while you watch from the next room.

Weekly and daily jobs

Jobs for an 8-year-old
JobDaily or weeklyTeaching note
Make the bedDailyTuck in the sheet corners
Unload the dishwasherDailyAdult removes sharp knives first
Set and clear the tableDailyWipe it with a damp cloth
Feed the petDailyMeasure the portion
Brush teeth and pack the bagDailyCheck the chart
Vacuum one roomWeeklyShow how to move small objects first
Fold and put away towelsWeeklyFold in thirds
Take out the trashWeeklyWash hands afterward
Sweep the kitchen floorWeeklyUse a dustpan and brush

Teaching the dishwasher and the vacuum

  1. Take out any knives and sharp items yourself before your child starts.
  2. Sort cutlery by type into the drawer.
  3. Unload the bottom rack first, then the top, so drips from cups do not land on dry dishes.
  4. For the vacuum, pick up cords and small items first.
  5. Vacuum in slow lines, then switch it off and wrap the cord with you watching.

Our guides to unloading the dishwasher and vacuuming go step by step. Vacuum cleaners have cords and moving parts, so stay nearby the first few times.

Big-jobs chart, age 8

Week of ____________________
ChoreMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Make the bed
Unload the dishwasher
Set and clear the table
Feed the pet
Vacuum one roomonce this week
Take out the trashonce this week
Fold the towelsonce this week
Tick a box or add a sticker when it’s done.Made with Pouch · thepouchapp.com
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When a big job goes wrong

A half-vacuumed rug or a dishwasher with the cups upside down is normal early on. Show the fix once, calmly, and let them try again the next day. Redoing it behind their back can tell them the job does not matter.

Pace the week so big jobs do not pile up. A common rhythm is one large job per school day and the rest on the weekend, so no single evening feels heavy.

Allowance at eight

Among Dutch 8-year-olds, €1.90 to €2.80 a week is the typical range in Nibud's 2023 data. If you pay, a common approach is a flat weekly amount plus a few extra-paid jobs. Read allowance for 8-year-olds for ways to set it up.

Where to go from here

If vacuuming goes badly, one room is enough. Chores for 7-year-olds has easier options. When these jobs feel routine, look at chores for 9-year-olds.

Questions parents ask

Can an 8-year-old unload the dishwasher?

Many can, once you have shown them. An adult should take out knives and anything sharp first, and you should stay nearby the first few times.

Can an 8-year-old use the vacuum alone?

Many can after a few practice rounds. Pick up cords and small items first, and stay within earshot.

How many chores should an 8-year-old have?

Three to five daily jobs plus one or two weekly jobs is a common range. Adjust for school and activities.

Should an 8-year-old be paid for chores?

It is your call. Some families pay a flat allowance and add pay for extra jobs. Others pay nothing.

Sources

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