Chores for toddlers and preschoolers
Real jobs a 2, 3 or 4 year old can do, with how to start and a simple chart to print.
Short answer: From about age 2, children can do one-step jobs with you: toys in the bin, clothes in the hamper, shoes on the rack. By 4 most can manage a short routine of 3–4 jobs with picture reminders.
Age 2: copy and carry
One-step jobs done right next to you. Expect it to take longer than doing it yourself.
- Put toys in bins
from age 2 · ~10 min · daily - Put dirty clothes in hamper
from age 2 · ~2 min · daily - Put books back on the shelf
from age 2 · ~5 min · daily - Help wipe the table with a cloth
from age 2 · ~3 min · daily - Put shoes on the rack
from age 2 · ~2 min · daily
Age 3: two-step jobs
They can follow a two-step instruction and love having a "job".
- Help make the bed
from age 3 · ~5 min · daily - Wipe up own spills
from age 3 · ~3 min · daily - Carry plate to the sink
from age 3 · ~2 min · daily - Fluff and straighten cushions
from age 3 · ~5 min · daily - Tidy shoes by the door
from age 3 · ~5 min · daily - Match socks
from age 3 · ~10 min · weekly - Refill pet water bowl
from age 3 · ~2 min · daily - Help carry light shopping bags
from age 3 · ~5 min · weekly
Age 4: a short routine
Sorting, matching and carrying; a 3–4 job morning or evening routine with reminders.
- Tidy bookshelf
from age 4 · ~10 min · weekly - Pick out tomorrow's clothes
from age 4 · ~5 min · daily - Brush teeth without reminders
from age 4 · ~4 min · daily - Wash fruit and vegetables
from age 4 · ~5 min · weekly - Dust low shelves
from age 4 · ~10 min · weekly - Water houseplants
from age 4 · ~5 min · weekly - Hang up bath towel
from age 4 · ~2 min · daily - Feed the pet
from age 4 · ~5 min · daily
daily weekly now and then
Toddler chore questions
For under-5s a sticker reward chart usually works better than points.
At what age can a toddler start chores?
Most children can start helping at around 2 with one-step jobs done alongside you, such as putting toys in a bin or dirty clothes in the hamper. HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) encourages small household tasks for young children as part of growing independence.
Should my 4 year old have chores?
Yes, a short routine of 3–4 simple jobs suits most 4-year-olds: feed the pet, water plants, tidy shoes, help put groceries away. Use pictures rather than words and praise the effort, not the result.
How do I make a chore chart for a toddler?
Keep it to 2–4 jobs, use a picture or colour for each, and tick it off together straight after the job. A sticker-style reward chart works better than points at this age.
Should toddlers get paid for chores?
Money is still abstract for most under-5s, so stickers, praise and doing the job together usually motivate more. Many families start a small allowance around 5 or 6.
Lists for each age
Age guidance is general, drawn from common advice such as the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org. Children vary; go by what your child can do safely.