12 chores a 5-year-old can do
- Make their bed (loosely is fine)
- Get dressed on their own
- Put pajamas in the hamper
- Set napkins, spoons and forks on the table
- Carry their dishes to the counter
- Feed the pet, with you measuring the food
- Water plants with a small watering can
- Match socks and fold washcloths
- Put their toys and books away
- Hang up their coat and backpack
- Wipe the bathroom sink with a cloth
- Help put groceries on low shelves
Morning jobs that help with kindergarten
Teachers ask 5-year-olds to hang up their own coat, unpack their own bag and follow a few steps in order. A home chart that does the same makes mornings calmer and school easier:
- Get dressed
- Make the bed
- Breakfast dish to the counter
- Brush teeth
- Shoes on, backpack by the door
Keep the order the same every school day. If mornings are the hard part, see the morning routine chart.
Stars now, money soon
- Most 5-year-olds still work best for stars or stickers they can see filling up.
- A full week of stars can earn a small treat they choose, like picking the Friday movie.
- If they can count to 10 and are curious about coins, try a small allowance for one or two jobs. Coins they can hold make more sense than a number on a chart.
- Whatever you choose, give it at the same time each week so they can look forward to it.
Questions parents ask
How many chores should a 5 year old have? Three to five a day works for most 5-year-olds. Add one more once the first few happen without a reminder.
Should a 5 year old get an allowance? It's optional. Some families start a small allowance at 5 or 6, when counting money starts to make sense, and others stay with stars for another year.
Can a 5 year old make their own bed? Yes, if "made" means pulling the covers up and putting the pillow on top. Neat corners can wait.
More charts: chore chart for 4 year olds, chore chart for 6 year olds, chore chart for ages 3 to 5. Prefer a ready-made set? Printable packs are on our Etsy shop.