Chores for 3 year olds
Three-year-olds can follow a two-step instruction and like having a 'job'. A picture chart works better than words.
Good starting point: Two-step tasks and picture cards; praise effort, not neatness.
A sample week for a 3-year-old
Every day
- Put shoes on the rack
- Carry plate to the sink
- Refill pet water bowl
- Wipe up own spills
- Fluff and straighten cushions
Chore list for 3 year olds, room by room
Everything a typical 3-year-old can manage alone. Bold items are ones that usually become possible around this age.
Bedroom
- Put toys in bins ~10 min
- Put dirty clothes in hamper ~2 min
- Help make the bed ~5 min
Kitchen
- Wipe up own spills ~3 min
- Carry plate to the sink ~2 min
- Help wipe the table with a cloth ~3 min
Living areas
- Fluff and straighten cushions ~5 min
- Tidy shoes by the door ~5 min
- Put books back on the shelf ~5 min
Laundry
- Match socks ~10 min
Pets
- Refill pet water bowl ~2 min
Family help
- Help carry light shopping bags ~5 min
Personal
- Put shoes on the rack ~2 min
What to teach next
These usually come within the next couple of years. Show them once, do it together a few times, then hand it over:
Make own bed · Tidy bookshelf · Put away clean clothes · Pick out tomorrow's clothes · Brush teeth without reminders · Set the table
Chores for 3 year olds: FAQ
What chores can a 3 year old do?
Typical chores for 3 year olds include put shoes on the rack, carry plate to the sink, refill pet water bowl, wipe up own spills, fluff and straighten cushions. Three-year-olds can follow a two-step instruction and like having a 'job'. A picture chart works better than words.
How many chores should a 3 year old have?
As a general suggestion, 2–3 short jobs a day. Start with fewer and add one new job at a time once the first ones are routine.
Should a 3 year old get paid for chores?
At this age stickers and praise usually motivate more than money, which is still abstract. Many families start a small allowance around 5 or 6.
Age guidance here is general, based on common advice such as the AAP's HealthyChildren.org. Every child is different; prioritise safety. See all ages.