At what age should kids start doing chores at home? Parenting expert settles the debate

Many parents wonder when they should start giving their children household chores. Some believe kids should focus solely on play and schoolwork, while others think responsibility should be introduced as early as possible. The debate has been ongoing for years, with some arguing that chores build discipline and independence, while others worry that too much responsibility too soon could take away from childhood. However, parenting expert Julia Dennison believes there’s a clear answer. Dennison, who is the executive editor of Parents.com, believes that involving kids in household tasks from an early age helps them develop essential life skills, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility, as per a recent interview with Yahoo Life.

But what is the right age to start? Dennison revealed that kids can start doing chores as early as age 2. “Chores are tremendously important for kids,” Dennison said. It’s really important to start kids from a younger age just because you want to make it part of the routine and the norm in your family.” Dennison also explained that while chores for toddlers will be simple, like picking up toys and putting them away, it’s crucial to introduce them as soon as kids understand language and commands. “Teaching kids from a young age the concept of what it means to be a family and helping each other out is a really important life skill and something that you don't want to wait for,” she shared.

Beyond helping parents with household tasks, Dennison believes that chores also play a role in building a child’s self-esteem and independence. “You have to remember that children spend their whole lives being told what to do,” she explained. “They don’t have a lot of opportunity for showing their own independence and their own responsibilities in the world. And so giving them chores is a really nice way to say to them, ‘Hey, show me what you can do.'" She also added, "At a young age, it's really fun. They love that sense of independence." As children grow, their responsibilities can increase. "As they get older, thinking about ages 7-9, they can put groceries away, they can put dishes away," she said.

Dennison noted that chores like sorting silverware, watering the garden, putting away laundry, and other household tasks can be introduced as long as they don’t involve dangerous items. “Most of what you're doing in terms of chores around the house, as long as it's not like dangerous chemicals or a super sharp knife, you probably get your kids involved with,” she said. She also encouraged parents to consider their child’s individual skills and personality when assigning chores. “Kids really do differ from kid to kid,” Dennison explained. “It's really important to cater to that when you're thinking about what chores you’re giving your kids.”

One effective approach is to give children specific, long-term responsibilities around the house. “Make one kid always in charge of taking out the trash, always in charge of sorting and recycling, so they can really take ownership of that one responsibility and then do it really well,” she advised. Dennison also stressed the importance of making chores feel rewarding rather than a punishment. “Never punish your children by giving them chores,” she said. “We work in a world where we get rewarded by things … so if you wanted to give your kid an allowance for doing chores, there's nothing wrong with that.”