Tasks Children Can Do to Learn Responsibility

Looking for ways to promote responsibility at home? Here's a handy list of ideas to get you started.

18 months–3 years old

• Turn off lights while being carried
• Carry in the newspaper or mail
• Get her/his own cereal or snack from kid-friendly containers
• Pick up toys and clothes
• Wash tables/counters with a damp sponge
• Put a soiled/wet diaper in the diaper pail
• Wash vegetables, tear lettuce, stir
• Help set the table
• Feed and water pets
• Help clean up after meals and play
• Wake up siblings
• Run simple errands around the house
• Help put groceries away
• Carry in light groceries
• Put her/his own clothes away
• Take clothes out of the dryer
• Help make beds
• Put plastic dishes in the dishwasher
• Make salads
• Bring recyclables to the garage
• Lead family prayer
• Scramble eggs, make toast
• Tell you when the traffic light turns green
• Clear dishes from the table
• Seal and stamp envelopes

4–6 years old

All of the above, plus:

• Help find grocery items in the store
• Help fold towels and wash
• Pour things
• Give you a back rub or foot rub
• Help measure ingredients
• Count goods at the grocery store
• Sort white and dark clothes for laundry
• Water plants
• Help vacuum, sweep, and dust
• Take library books/videos to/from the car
• Help younger siblings
• Help plant a garden
• Wash the floor
• Put dishes in the dishwasher
• Measure soap for the dishwasher and start the cycle
• Be responsible for compost buckets
• Haul things in a wagon
• Assist in meal planning
• Make a simple meal
• Empty dishwasher, stack dishes on the counter
• Rake leaves for short periods of time
• Help wash pets
• Prepare her/his own lunch
• Walk well-behaved pets
• Carry in firewood
• Start to manage their own money

7–10 years old

All of the above, plus:

• Get self up in the morning
• Help wash and vacuum the car
• Wash dishes
• Fix snacks and light meals
• Help read recipes
• Run the washing machine and dryer
• Change sheets on a bed
• Help with projects around the house
• Address and stuff envelopes
• Read to younger siblings
• Bathe younger siblings

11–15 years old

All of the above, plus:

• Babysit
• Cook meals
• Buy groceries from a list
• Wash windows
• Change light bulbs
• Make appointments
• Order out for the family
• Wax the car
• Mow the lawn
• Operate saws for home projects
• Help in a parent’s business

Adapted with permission from Redirecting Children’s Behavior by Kathryn J. Kvols (Parenting Press Inc., Seattle, WA). 1998.