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I'm always wondering if I'm expecting too much or too little from my kids, so I compiled this list to keep as a guideline/reminder. 
Up to 2
- Clean with mom (give child a dust rag, child size broom, empty spray bottle for "pretend" cleaning)
- Simple errands, such as: "bring mommy a diaper", "put this is the trashcan"
- Put dirty clothes in hamper
- Simple help with groceries, such as: putting items in shopping cart, helping put items on the check-out conveyor, handing items to you to be put away at home
- Pick up toys and put in toy box (don't expect them to sort and organize too much at this age)
- Wipe up small spills and messes with a napkin or washcloth
2 - 3 years
- Any of the above
- Potty training
- Wash hands
- Brush teeth
- Water plants or garden
- Put toys away
- Put books and magazines in a rack or on shelf
- Help feed pets
- Require politeness on a regular basis ("Yes ma'am", "No sir", "May I please be excused", greeting, etc.).
- Choose clothes and dress self
- Put shoes/coat in proper place
- Laundry (transferring clothes from dryer to basket, help with sorting by handing him things to put in appropriate piles, etc.)
- Carry groceries in from car (give child one light item or a small bag).
- Place napkins, plates, and silverware on the table
- Take dishes to the sink and helping to clear table
- Clean up what they drop after eating
- Help wipe up messes
- General help (carrying diaper bag or mom's purse to the car, etc.).
- Dust (with duster or with socks on their hands)
- Mop in areas with help
- Help make the bed (pull covers up)
- Bring in the mail or newspaper
3 - 4 years
- Any of the above
- Brush hair
- Morning routine, i.e. getting dressed, breakfast, etc...
- Make bed
- Evening routine, i.e. undress, bath, prayers, bed, etc...
- Keep room neat and taking daily responsibility for it
- Pick up toys and put in proper place
- Become "other-oriented" (drawing pictures for someone, making encouragement notes to dictate to mom, thank you notes for birthday gifts)
- Empty bathroom trashcan
- Help wash the car
- Begin learning to fold laundry and put it away
- Help put groceries in proper place
- Help cooking and preparing food (with adult supervision)
- Feed pets
- Pick berries (under supervision & an explanation of good/bad berries!)
4 - 5 years
- Any of the above
- Set table
- Fold laundry and put it away
- Hang socks, handkerchiefs, and washcloths on a low line
- Sweep
- Help vacuum
- Help mother prepare plates of food for the family dinner
- Make a simple dessert (add topping to cupcakes, pour the toppings on ice cream)
- Taking out the trash
- Carry groceries in from the car and help put them away
- Help with grocery shopping and compiling a grocery list
- Help plan meals
- Wipe down counters & table after meals
- Make a simple meal/snack
- Help with meal preparations (learning to measure, stir and use small appliances)
- Prepare cold cereal
- Help do the dishes or fill the dishwasher
- Share toys with friends (practice courtesy)
- Set out clothes for the next day
- Help younger brothers and sisters
- Pull weeds
- Help plant a garden
- Walk well-behaved pets
5 - 6 years
- Clean room & keep it tidy
- Unsupervised responsibilities (make bed, wash out trash cans, etc.)
- Assisting with more complicated meal preparations (making frozen juice, toast, cutting with blunt knife, baking, tearing up lettuce for salad)
- Make own sandwich or simple breakfast, then clean up
- Pour own drink
- Helping with younger siblings (changing diapers, helping with bath, bottle feeding, entertaining while mom is out of the room, feeding/dressing toddler siblings)
- Laundry (learning to use the washer/dryer)
- Cleaning (using cleaning supplies properly, cleaning unsupervised areas like bathtub or polishing furniture, clean mirrors and windows)
- Sons -- carrying "heavy" things for mom and helping with yard work
- Learn to tie shoes
- Answer the telephone and begin to dial the phone
- Yard work
- Pay for small purchases
- Help clean out the car
- Take out the garbage
- Pet responsibilities (washing bowls, brushing)
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Make bed/change sheets (with minimal assistance)
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Set table by him/herself (at this age, they still should not be handling sharp knives, etc.)
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Get ready for tomorrow… Set out backpack, shoes etc
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Learn to be polite, courteous, and to share; respect others
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