Chores for a 6 Year Old Overview

Chores for a 6 year old are an important part of learning independence, responsibility and confidence. At this age, children begin to understand routines more clearly and enjoy being trusted with real chores. 

They can follow multi step instructions, stay focused longer and take pride in doing things on their own. Many families use visual charts, checklists or simple apps like Kikaroo to help children remember their chores and stay consistent throughout the week.

Six year olds benefit from chores that are slightly more advanced than those for younger children. Chores should still be simple and safe but should give them a sense of ownership and real contribution to the household.

Why Six Year Olds Can Take on More Chores

By age six, children have stronger motor skills, better coordination and more awareness of time and routines. They understand cause and effect and can handle chores that require a few steps in a row. Most importantly, they want to feel capable and useful.

Six year olds are ready to:

• take responsibility for personal spaces
• help in shared areas
• follow routines without constant reminders
• complete small chores with greater detail
• show pride in their work

This is a great age to build long term habits through steady, predictable chores.

Best Chores for a 6 Year Old

These chores match the skills and curiosity of most six year olds. They are simple enough to do independently but meaningful enough to teach life skills.

1. Cleaning and organizing their room

They can put toys away, sort small items, arrange books and keep their desk clear.

2. Making the bed neatly

At age six, children can straighten blankets, place pillows correctly and keep the bed tidy.

3. Helping with laundry

They can sort light and dark clothes, fold small towels and carry their laundry basket.

4. Setting and clearing the table

They can place plates, cups, utensils and help bring dishes back to the kitchen after the meal.

5. Dusting low surfaces

Using a soft cloth, six year olds can dust shelves, tables and simple areas in the living room.

6. Helping wash fruits and vegetables

They enjoy kitchen chores, especially those involving water, as long as parents supervise.

7. Caring for plants

They can water indoor plants or help check soil in the garden.

8. Feeding pets

With supervision, they can scoop kibble, refill water bowls and help brush pets.

9. Organizing school items

They can pack their backpack, place homework in the right folder and prepare for the next day.

Creative and Fun Chores for a 6 Year Old

Six year olds love stretching their imagination. Turning chores into simple games keeps them motivated and proud.

Sorting household items

Matching lids with containers, organizing crayons or grouping similar toys.

Folding small clothing

They can fold socks, washcloths and small shirts.

Helping in the garden

Six year olds enjoy planting seeds, pulling small weeds and gently watering plants.

Tidying shared spaces

Cleaning the play area, stacking board games or putting puzzles back together.

Helping clean the car interior

They can collect small trash, hand wipes to a parent and organize items.

Morning, Afternoon and Evening Chores

Daily routine chores help six year olds understand structure and build independence.

Morning chores

• make the bed
• place pajamas in the laundry basket
• prepare school items
• tidy the bedroom for a few minutes

Afternoon chores

• clean toys after play
• help set the dinner table
• return backpack to its spot

Evening chores

• put dirty clothes away
• wipe small surfaces
• organize books or school papers

Parents often use simple visual aids or apps like Kikaroo so six year olds can check off chores and feel accomplished each day.

Tips for Teaching Chores to a 6 Year Old

Use clear instructions

Simple steps work best, such as “Place all books on this shelf.”

Give steady praise

Encouragement helps children stay motivated.

Build predictable routines

Same time, same chore creates comfort.

Provide small choices

Let them decide which chore to start with.

Show before expecting

Demonstration helps them understand what “done” looks like.

Safety Notes

Six year olds should still avoid chores that involve knives, chemicals or heavy lifting. Parents should guide any kitchen or outdoor chores that may require extra care.

Example Daily Chore List for a 6 Year Old

Morning:

• make the bed
• place pajamas in the laundry basket

Afternoon:

• put toys away
• help set the table

Evening:

• tidy the room for a few minutes
• prepare items for the next school day

This simple list builds confidence and routine.

Conclusion

Six year olds are ready for a variety of chores that help them grow confident, independent and organized. 

Chores such as making the bed, helping with laundry, setting the table and caring for plants teach responsibility in a gentle and positive way. 

With steady routines and visual reminders from chore apps like Kikaroo, six year olds build habits that support them now and prepare them for the years ahead.