DoneUp
Start with the child, then the list
Age is a starting point for choosing chores, not a test your child has to pass. A younger child might already enjoy a task an older sibling is learning. Confidence, access needs, available time and the equipment in your home all matter.
Pick two or three jobs to begin with. Show each one, do it together, then let your child try while you stay available. For tasks involving heat, sharp tools, cleaning products, heavy lifting or animals, decide what help and supervision are needed before adding them to a routine.
Chore ideas for each age group
| Age group | Jobs to try | A helpful starting approach |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 years | Put clothes in the hamper, pair socks, put toys away, set out napkins, make the bed. | Give one clear task at a time. Keep supplies within reach and show what finished looks like. |
| 10–13 years | Pack a school bag, fold towels, sweep a small area, water plants, help clear the table. | Agree the order and timing. Break unfamiliar jobs into a short checklist. |
| 14–17 years | Run a familiar laundry load, vacuum shared rooms, change bed sheets, help plan a meal, organise a cupboard. | Agree the result and deadline together, with room to choose how to get there. |
Swap any suggestion that does not fit your child or home. These are examples, not a required set of responsibilities for each birthday.
Describe what finished means
“Tidy your room” can mean very different things to two people. Try “put clothes in the hamper, books on the shelf and toys in the basket.” A clear finish makes it easier for a child to know when they are ready to ask you to check.
Keep the instructions short enough to use. If a job has several parts, put them in order. When something needs another try, name the missing step rather than starting the whole explanation again.
Give every chore a place in the day
Attach a small job to a moment that already happens: the hamper after getting changed, the school bag after homework, or the table after dinner. Leave enough time to complete it without rushing out of the door.
A busy school day may need a shorter list than a quiet weekend. Agree what happens when plans change, a child is unwell or the family is away. A routine should make the day easier to understand.
Share the work without keeping score
Explain why jobs differ between siblings: one may need more help, have less time or be learning something new. Check that everyone understands their own part instead of comparing who has completed the most.
You can also choose something to work towards together, such as a family movie night. In DoneUp, the family prize counts approved chores towards one shared target. Kids see the chore count, with no sibling ranking.
Try a small routine for one week
DoneUp lets a grown-up create repeating chores with notes and step-by-step routines. Kids mark work done, and a grown-up approves it or sends it back with a note. See how the chore routine works.
After a week, ask which task was clear, which took longer than expected and which needs a demonstration. Change the list together. Start today by choosing one everyday chore, showing the steps and agreeing when you will check it.
