When talking to friends, I often heard that they don't know what chores their children should be doing so I put together a list of age appropriate chores for 4 year olds! These chores really work well for preschoolers, 4-year-olds, and 5-year-olds. For chores for older children, check out Chores for 6 to 8 year olds!
Chores are a requirement at our house, for everyone old enough to walk. For little ones, they are very basic tasks. As they get older, we gradually add new chores and they are split into several categories. Some are basics that are required as a member of our household.
There is no reward for doing them, but there are consequences for not doing them. Then, we have daily chores that are required but do have a reward. We also have bonus chores the boys can choose from. When you first introduce chores, start small and praise often. Be prepared to have to redo something while they are napping or playing later, but try not to say anything that would discourage them or make them feel like they aren't doing a great job!
Age Appropriate Chores for 4 & 5 Year Olds
Personal Kid's Chores:
- Make beds
- Brush teeth
- Get dressed
- Put dirty clothes in hamper
- Wash hands before meals
- Wash hands and face after meals
Household Chores:
- Set table (with non-breakable dishes)
- Clear table and help load dishwasher
- Wipe down table
- Wipe down counters
- Help unload dishwasher
- Clean windows
- Sweep (you'll need to tidy it up later in the beginning)
- Swiffer floor
- Clean walls (use magic erasers & they will ask you if they can scrub the walls!)
- Fold clothes (match socks, fold washcloths, small towels, underwear, etc)
- Put laundry away (hand them a few things that go to the same drawer)
- Restock toilet paper (the twins each check a bathroom & then restock the toilet paper in there)
- Shake out rugs (carry small rugs outside & shake them)
- Take out the trash (Bathroom, office, or kitchen – depending on their strength)
Outdoor Chores:
- Pull weeds (dandelions are easy to identify without pulling a good plant out)
- Rake up leaves or grass clippings
- Bag up weeds and yard clippings
- Pick up sticks before an adult mows
- Pick up outdoor toys (before going in every time)
- Wash bikes
For an easy reference, we created this nifty printable chore idea chart! I have a copy in my household binder for when someone says they are bored! What are some of the chores your little ones do?
Thanks for your ideas. We have our 4 year old participate in many you have listed, but I like some of the others we haven’t tried yet as well. I think it’s time for a little more variety.