Chores are a common part of many children’s lives. Doing chores provides important life skills and values for kids, like responsibility, contributing to the household, and independence. But how prevalent are chores for children today? How many kids actively participate in household tasks and chores on a regular basis?
What Percentage of Kids Have Regular Chores?
Research provides estimates on what percentage of kids have regular chores. According to multiple national surveys and studies on the topic, here is what percentage of kids have chores:
- A 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 82% of parents reported their kids had chores.
- A Time magazine poll in 2019 found 79% of parents said their children had regular chores.
- In a 2015 study published in the journal BMC Public Health, nearly 70% of parents surveyed said they had their kids participate in household chores.
- An earlier 2010 survey by the nonprofit group Common Sense Media reported a chore percentage of 84% for kids under the age of 8.
So based on multiple research polls and studies over the past decade or so, it appears that somewhere between 70-84% of kids participate in regular chores as part of their household responsibilities. The majority of children, but not all, seem to take part in chores at home based on their parents’ preferences and approach.
Do Chore Percentages Vary by Age?
The prevalence of chores does seem to vary by the age of children. Younger kids tend to have fewer and simpler chores, while chore participation increases with older children into the teen years.
- For young kids ages 3-4, about half participate in chores based on a University of Minnesota study. Their chores are simple, like picking up toys or household items.
- Elementary school aged kids 6-11 take part in chores at a higher rate of 80-90% based on research. Their chores expand to basic cleaning, pet care, yard work, and household tasks.
- For teens ages 12-17, regular chores are very common, with 90% or more having assigned chores according to studies. Their chores are more involved such as cleaning, yardwork, cooking, and care for siblings.
So chore participation is developmental. As kids grow older and are more capable, parents assign more complex chores and tasks for them to share the workload at home.
Chore Breakdown by Most Common Kids’ Chores
While kids have many different chores, certain core tasks are the most commonly assigned to children. Here is a breakdown of the top chores for kids:
Cleaning Chores
Cleaning makes up many of the most common chores for kids.
- Cleaning their room – 90%
- Washing dishes – 56%
- Vacuuming – 50%
- Cleaning bathrooms – 44%
- Dusting – 42%
- Cleaning the kitchen – 38%
- Mopping – 38%
- Laundry – 36%
Outdoor Chores
Outdoor chores like yardwork are also very common.
- Taking out trash/garbage – 78%
- Yardwork – 56%
- Walking/caring for pets – 40%
Help Prepare Meals
- Setting/clearing table – 60%
- Helping prepare meals – 58%
- Doing their own laundry – 36%
So cleaning chores make up the bulk of responsibilities, with outdoor work and helping around meal times also being routine task for many kids.
How Frequency of Chores Compares for Boys vs. Girls
Some research shows there may be differences in how often boys versus girls do chores.
- Boys are more likely to be asked to take out trash, mow lawns, help with automotive chores.
- Girls are more often tasked with cooking, cleaning, and laundry chores.
But other studies show boys and girls tend to participate in chores at similar rates:
- Both genders tend to help with cleaning, yardwork, and pet care at comparable levels.
- Overall frequency of chores is similar for boys and girls.
So the research is mixed. Gender stereotypes may influence types of chores, but overall both genders seem to participate in household chores at broadly similar rates.
How Do Parents Get Kids to Do Chores?
Parents use various methods to get kids to do their regular chore assignments. Here are some of the most common ways parents encourage chore completion:
- Offering allowances for doing chores – 64%
- Giving rewards for chore completion – stickers, treats, etc.
- Setting clear expectations and chore schedules
- Leading by example – doing chores themselves
- Explaining importance of contributing to household
- Docking allowance or limiting screen time if chores not done
- Praising and rewarding with positive reinforcement
- Making chores fun with music, games, or competition
Setting clear expectations, explaining the importance of chores, praising effort, and light incentives are positive methods parents report success with for consistent chore completion.
Are Chores Beneficial for Kids?
Multiple studies demonstrate there are significant benefits for kids who participate in chores and household tasks on a regular basis. Researchers have found the following positive impacts:
Develop Life Skills
Chores help kids develop useful skills like:
- Teamwork
- Responsibility
- Organization
- Time management
- Prioritizing tasks
Build Confidence
Contributing to the household builds confidence and self-esteem.
Share Household Work
Chores teach kids to carry their weight and share responsibilities.
Grow Resilience
Chores require effort and not giving up. This builds resilience.
Gain Sense of Purpose
Having an impact through chores gives kids a sense of purpose.
Learn Household Tasks
Knowing how to do household chores is a valuable skill for life.
So in addition to lightening parents’ workload, chores provide kids with meaningful development benefits according to research.
Typical Age to Start Chores for Kids
When is a good age for parents to start having kids take part in chores? Experts suggest:
- Toddlers age 2-3: Simple tasks like putting away toys.
- Preschoolers age 3-5: Pick up toys, make bed, sorting, dusting.
- Elementary age 6-10: Feed pets, clearing table, folding laundry.
- Middle school age 11-13: Dishwashing, vacuuming, lawn mowing.
- High school 14-18: Cook, clean bathrooms, scrub floors.
Starting kids with light chores around ages 2-5 allows them to steadily build skills and capability. By middle school and high school, most kids have the focus and maturity to complete more complex household chores.
Tips for Getting Kids to Do Chores
Parents can use effective methods to get kids in the habit of chores:
- Make a list of age-appropriate chores
- Set expectations and schedule
- Model chores themselves
- Use reminder notes, apps, calendars
- Offer praise and small rewards
- Incentivize with allowance or treats
- Alternate fun and boring chores
- Do chores together to bond
- Sticker charts for younger kids
- Have kids pick chores from list
Being organized, consistent, and positive creates chore success for kids and makes it a rewarding routine.
Conclusion
In summary, research shows that a solid majority of kids – around 70-84% depending on the study – participate in regular chores and household tasks. Chores provide developmental benefits for responsibility, skills, confidence, and contributing to family. Parents use methods like chore schedules, praise, and allowing choices to help kids take on chores at appropriate ages. While not always the most exciting tasks, chores are an important part of growing up and teaching kids to handle responsibilities. With the right approach from parents, chores can be rewarding routine for kids rather than dreaded task.
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