Chores for 4 year olds
Four-year-olds can sort, match and carry. They can manage a short daily routine with reminders.
Good starting point: A short morning/evening routine of 3–4 tasks with pictures.
A sample week for a 4-year-old
Every day
- Brush teeth without reminders
- Pick out tomorrow's clothes
- Hang up bath towel
- Feed the pet
- Wash fruit and vegetables
Chore list for 4 year olds, room by room
Everything a typical 4-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
- Tidy bookshelf ~10 min
Personal
- Pick out tomorrow's clothes ~5 min
- Brush teeth without reminders ~4 min
- Put shoes on the rack ~2 min
Kitchen
- Wipe up own spills ~3 min
- Carry plate to the sink ~2 min
- Wash fruit and vegetables ~5 min
- Help wipe the table with a cloth ~3 min
Living areas
- Dust low shelves ~10 min
- Fluff and straighten cushions ~5 min
- Water houseplants ~5 min
- Tidy shoes by the door ~5 min
- Put books back on the shelf ~5 min
Bathroom
- Hang up bath towel ~2 min
Laundry
- Match socks ~10 min
Pets
- Feed the pet ~5 min
- Refill pet water bowl ~2 min
Family help
- Help carry light shopping bags ~5 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 · Put away clean clothes · Dust bedroom surfaces · Pack school bag · Set the table · Clear the table
Chores for 4 year olds: FAQ
What chores can a 4 year old do?
Typical chores for 4 year olds include brush teeth without reminders, pick out tomorrow's clothes, hang up bath towel, feed the pet, wash fruit and vegetables. Four-year-olds can sort, match and carry. They can manage a short daily routine with reminders.
How many chores should a 4 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 4 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.