Appendix B.
Age-Appropriate Responsibilities

The only way to learn responsibility is to be given responsibility. And the sooner the better. It is important to spend time instructing and teaching your child how to do new tasks. It might take a few weeks. Do not expect perfection. Each month ask yourself, “What is one thing I am currently doing for my child that she is capable of learning to do for herself?”

The following is a list of responsibilities that your child at different ages of development is usually capable of handling. Remember to teach and practice the skills needed for each responsibility before completely letting go. This way you will know that you are setting your child up for success.

18 Months to 3 Years Old

• Get dressed and undressed with some assistance

• Put dirty clothes in the hamper

• Put shoes in designated place

• Help put toys in proper place

• Begin training to set the dinner table

• Learn to make simple decisions between two foods or two shirts

• Learn to sweep and dust

• Learn to seal and stamp envelopes

• Learn to clear dishes from the table

• Put clothes in the washer and take clothes out of dryer

• Put own clothes away

• Take out garbage

• Wipe down cabinets and baseboards with soapy water

• Make salads

• Help fill dishwasher

• Help make beds

• Scramble eggs and make toast with assistance

• Carry in light groceries

• Help put groceries away

• Run simple errands around the house

• Feed and water pets

• Wash tables and counters with a sponge

• Get own cereal, snacks, juice, milk from kid-friendly containers

• Get own plastic bowls, plates, napkins, cups, silverware at kid-friendly levels

• Carry in newspaper or mail

• Turn off lights while being carried

• Simple hygiene: brush teeth, wash and dry hands, and brush hair

• Put weeds or leaves in a sack to assist the person who is pulling weeds or raking leaves

• Clean up what they spill or drop

4 to 6 Years Old

• All previous chores plus:

• Capable of getting themselves up in the morning with own alarm clock

• Dress and choose own outfit for the day

• Put toys in proper place with little help

• Set the table without help (not perfectly)

• Remove dishes from the table

• Remove dishes from dishwasher to counter, silverware to the drawer

• Clean up messes and spills

• Sweep walkways and patio with small broom

• Rake leaves and water plants

• Empty small wastebaskets into larger one

• Take out recycling

• Wash lower cabinets and windowpanes

• Carry canned goods, boxed items, and paper products to storage places

• Begin training to help with grocery shopping

• Dust bottoms of chairs and tables, knickknacks

• Get own snacks and drinks from designated place

• Fold washcloths, towels, napkins

• Train to manage a small allowance to cover small treats, savings

• Help with compiling grocery list and shopping

• Follow a schedule for feeding pets

• Help do yard and garden work

• Make beds and vacuum

• Help do dishes and fill dishwasher

• Dust furniture

• Wipe out bathroom sinks

• Prepare own lunch

• Help prepare family meals

• Make a simple dessert (topping to cupcakes, ice-cream sundaes)

• Hold the hand mixer to whip potatoes or to mix batter

• Tell parents whereabouts before going out to play

• Sharpen pencils

• Make own breakfast and clean up

• Pour own drink (kid-friendly container)

• Help measure and add certain ingredients to recipe

• Clean mirrors and windows

• Separate clothes for washing (whites and colors)

• Match socks

• Fold dish towels

• Fold clean clothes and put them away

• Answer the phone and dial the phone for own use

• Pay for small purchases

• Learn to tie shoes

• Run own bathwater with assistance

• Help clean garage

• Shake rugs

• Water plants and flowers

• Hang own clothes in the closet

• Be responsible for own minor injuries with prior training

• Clean out inside of car

• Give you a back or foot rub

• Carry library books to and from the car

• Assist younger siblings

• Wash the floor

• Measure soap for dishwasher and start cycle

• Measure soap for washing machine and start cycle

• Haul things in a wagon

• Assist in washing pets

• Start to manage own money

7 to 10 Years Old

• All previous chores plus:

• Choose clothing for the day for play, school, or special event

• Make own sandwich

• Take phone messages

• Run simple errands for parents

• Get mail

• Wash patio area

• Water the lawn

• Care for bike and other outside toys or equipment

• Wash dog or cat

• Train pets

• Carry in grocery sacks

• Get self up in the morning and to bed at night on own

• Carry own lunch money and notes back and forth to the school

• Wipe bathroom sink, counter, toilet

• Hang up clean towels

• Mop the floor

• Clean blinds

• Clean microwave

• Help rearrange furniture, plan the layout

• Help others with their work when asked

• Straighten own closet and drawers

• Shop for and select own clothing and shoes, with parent

• Fold blankets

• Sew buttons

• Sew rips in seams

• Put gas in the car with assistance

• Clean up after animals in the yard and messes in the house

• Begin to read recipes and cook for the family

• Cut flowers and make centerpieces

• Pick fruit off trees

• Build a campfire with the parent and get items ready for cookout or barbecue

• Wash dishes

• Fix light meals

• Run washing machine and dryer (do own laundry with proper training)

• Change sheets on bed

• Address and stuff envelopes

• Read to younger siblings

• RSVP to parties

• Paint fence or shelves

• Write simple letters and thank-you notes

• Help with cleaning of the refrigerator

• Feed the baby

• Assist with bathing younger sister or brother

• When taught, cross streets unassisted

• Make and pour tea, coffee, and juices

• Plan birthday party for self

• Do chores for neighbors to earn money

• Learn to use a sewing machine

• Do chores when a chore system is in place, usually without reminders

• Learn about banking

• Peel vegetables

• Help with meal preparation

• Cut up vegetables for a salad

• Make a box cake with help

• Begin training in using stove, microwave

• Clean the bathroom, straighten towels, replace tissue roll, empty wastebasket

• Babysit for a short period while the parent is occupied

• Train in pulling weeds

• Attend to own minor first-aid needs

• Be responsible for care of bike, balls, and other outdoor toys

• Keep parents informed of whereabouts

• Help wash the car

• Clean the yard

• Help with family community-service activities

• Help plan menus, write the grocery list for the menus, and help shop for groceries

• Begin to use cookbook and prepare simple family meal with help

• Do own laundry

• Vacuum and dust a room

11 to 15 Years Old

• All previous chores plus:

• Earn own money by babysitting or collecting and recycling plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and newspapers

• Learn to use the lawnmower

• Learn to clean spark plug, fill gas tank, and clean lawnmower

• Learn to build things using a hammer, saw, screwdriver, wrench, and other tools

• Do grocery shopping with a list while parents run other errands

• Training in how to read labels

• Be responsible for schedule, hobbies, and money

• Allowance could cover school supplies, lunch money, hobbies, entertainment, treats, savings, and lessons

• Clean pool

• Plan and prepare family meals

• Clean up the kitchen without help

• Learn to pay monthly bills and balance the checkbook

• Handle sums of money

• Be able to take the city bus

• When staying overnight with a friend, pack own bag

• Be responsible for personal hobby

• Join outside organizations, do assignments, and attend functions

• Take responsibility as a leader

• Put siblings to bed and help dress them

• Run own errands

• Clean the oven/stove, tub/shower

• Schedule enough time for homework and studies

• Be responsible for a paper route

• Check and add oil to the car

• Write a check

• Put gas in the car

• Training in the use of a credit card

• Wash windows

• Change light bulbs

• Make appointments

• Order carry-out for the family

• Wax the car

• Help parents with business (i.e., computer work, etc.)

16 to 18 Years Old

• All previous chores plus:

• Run errands

• Open up and handle own checking account

• Maintain a car

• Arrange routine car repairs

• Take care of the house, garden, and yard

• Take care of animals

• Help younger children with homework

• Take care of siblings

• Learn to add oil, transmission fluid, and windshield fluids to the family car

• Change a flat tire

• Earn more of his own spending money

• Be responsible for purchase of most clothing items and minor expenses

• Allowance adjusted as necessary

• Organize important papers and files

• Use a fire extinguisher

• Locate and use water and gas shutoffs

• Know where the circuit breaker is and how to use it

• Use all household appliances

• Understand nutrition labels

• Pack a suitcase

• Interview for a job

• Create a resume

• Fill out a job application

• Manage SAT registration and study-assistance programs

• Search for ideal colleges

• Fill out own college application

• Book airline tickets

• Networks for a job

• Responsible with a family credit card

• Establish career interests