Chores for 5 year olds
Five-year-olds can do a few tasks independently and start to connect chores with rewards like stickers or points.
Good starting point: 3–5 daily tasks, a sticker or points chart, and one 'big' weekly job.
A sample week for a 5-year-old
Every day
- Brush teeth without reminders
- Pick out tomorrow's clothes
- Refill toilet paper and soap
- Clear the table
- Empty small wastebaskets
- Make own bed
- Set the table
Once a week
- Water the garden
Chore list for 5 year olds, room by room
Everything a typical 5-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
- Make own bed ~5 min
- Tidy bookshelf ~10 min
- Put away clean clothes ~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
- Set the table ~5 min
- Clear the table ~5 min
- Put groceries away ~10 min
- Wash fruit and vegetables ~5 min
- Help wipe the table with a cloth ~3 min
Living areas
- Empty small wastebaskets ~5 min
- 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
- Refill toilet paper and soap ~3 min
Laundry
- Sort laundry by colour ~10 min
- Match socks ~10 min
- Fold towels and washcloths ~10 min
Pets
- Feed the pet ~5 min
- Refill pet water bowl ~2 min
Outdoor
- Water the garden ~15 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:
Dust bedroom surfaces · Pack school bag · Load the dishwasher · Unload the dishwasher · Wipe kitchen counters · Sweep kitchen floor
Chores for 5 year olds: FAQ
What chores can a 5 year old do?
Typical chores for 5 year olds include brush teeth without reminders, pick out tomorrow's clothes, refill toilet paper and soap, clear the table, empty small wastebaskets. Five-year-olds can do a few tasks independently and start to connect chores with rewards like stickers or points.
How many chores should a 5 year old have?
As a general suggestion, 3–5 daily jobs plus one weekly job. Start with fewer and add one new job at a time once the first ones are routine.
Should a 5 year old get paid for chores?
Many families pay a small allowance at 5; a common rule of thumb is $1 a week per year of age (so about $5 a week), but this is a convention, not a standard. See the allowance by age calculator.
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.