Responsible Growth
From Redirecting Children’s Behavior
by Kathryn J. Kvols, Parenting Press, Inc., Seattle, WA
Some age-appropriate tasks you can give your children:
16 to 18 Years Old
Run errands
Maintain car
Help younger children with homework
Take care of house, animals, garden, yard
Balance family check book, budget, own account
11 to 15 Years Old
Baby sit
Buy groceries from a list
Wash windows
Make appointments
Cook meals, order out for family
Wax car, mow lawn
Operate saws for home projects
Help in parent’s business
7 to 10 Years Old
Wash dishes
Help wash and vacuum car
Address and stuff envelopes
Get him/herself up in the morning, change bed sheets
Help read recipes, fix snacks and light meals
Run washing machine and dryer
Read to and bathe younger siblings
4 to 6 Years Old
Wash the floor
Prepare own lunch
Help younger siblings
Help find and count grocery items in the store
Fold towels, wash clothes, sort white/dark clothes
Help measure ingredients, pour things
Help with vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting
Take library books and videos to and from car
Help plant a garden, water plants
Fill dishwasher, measure soap and start cycle
Assist in meal planning, make a simple meal
Empty dishwasher and stack dishes on counter
Rake leaves, carry in firewood
Help wash and walk well-behaved pets
Start to manage own money
18 Months to 3 Years Old
Wake up siblings
Feed and water pets
Lead family prayers
Turn off lights while being carried
Carry in newspaper and mail, carry out recyclables
Get cereal or snack from kid-friendly containers
Pick up toys and clothes, help make beds
Put soiled or wet diaper in the diaper pail
Scramble eggs, make toast, help make salad
Help set the table, clear dishes, wash table and counter
Carry in light groceries and help put groceries away
Put plastic dishes in the dishwasher
Put own clothes away, take clothes out of dryer
Tell you when the traffic light turns green
Seal and stamp envelopes