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Teens can do almost every chore an adult does. Getting them to do it is another story. Here is a realistic chore list for teenagers, a printable chart that doesn't look like it was made for a 6-year-old, and what actually works with this age.
Why chores still matter for teenagers
The American Academy of Pediatrics describes household chores as an important part of a teen's growth: they contribute to the home, build life skills and nurture a sense of teamwork that lasts into adulthood. It also makes a point many parents will recognize: if your teen can operate a smartphone, they can figure out a washing machine, an oven and a dishwasher.
The aim at this age changes. It's no longer "help around the house", it's "be ready to live on your own". Every chore is a skill they'll need in a few years.
Chore list for teens
Daily
- Keep their room in order: bed, floor, desk
- Load and unload the dishwasher
- Clean the kitchen after one meal
- Take out trash and recycling
- Prepare their own lunch and school bag
- Feed and walk the pet
Weekly
- Do their laundry, start to finish
- Change sheets and towels
- Clean a bathroom
- Vacuum shared spaces: living room, hallway, stairs
- Plan and cook one family meal
- Write the grocery list or do the grocery run (once they drive)
- Mow the lawn, weed, rake or shovel snow
Monthly
- Clean out the fridge
- Wash and vacuum the car, especially if they use it
- Clean windows and mirrors
- Deep-clean their room and sort clothes
Free printable teen chore charts
Two templates designed for teens: a weekly chart with a "done by Sunday" logic, and a checklist of daily, weekly and monthly responsibilities, with a column of life skills to learn before leaving home.
What actually works with teens
- Deadlines, not orders. "The bathroom is clean by Sunday at 6" respects their schedule. "Do it now" starts an argument.
- Their way. Music on, in the evening, in one go: if the result is right, the method is theirs.
- A zone they own. The car, the yard, the kitchen on weekdays. Owning a space works better than a list of tasks.
- Privileges linked to responsibilities. Not as a punishment, but as a rule agreed in advance: the car keys, the late weekend curfew, the phone plan come with the chores.
- A monthly review. Ten minutes to adjust the list. Teens cooperate much more with rules they helped set.
Chores, money and part-time jobs
A teen with a part-time job or a heavy sports schedule may push back on chores. The AAP's view is clear: work inside the home is as valuable as work outside it, and teens should keep contributing. You can lighten the load during busy periods, but don't let it drop to zero.
For money, many families combine a fixed allowance (or none, if the teen earns their own) with paid extra jobs. It's also a good moment to hand over part of the budget: their clothes, their phone plan, their outings. Managing that is a life skill too.
For younger teens
At 12 or 13, kids still like progress they can see: points, levels, a goal to save for. KUDOZ is built for kids up to 13, with chores as quests, XP, levels and a family reward shop. For the chores that come just before the teen years, see chores for 12 year olds, and the full chores by age list.
Questions parents ask
What chores should a teenager do?
Teens can handle nearly everything: kitchen cleanup, laundry, bathrooms, vacuuming, yard work, cooking a family meal, grocery shopping and caring for younger siblings, as the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests.
Should teenagers get paid for chores?
Many families give teens a regular allowance and pay for extra jobs, while keeping everyday chores unpaid. If your teen has a part-time job, household chores still count: the AAP notes that work at home is as valuable as work outside it.
How do I get my teenager to do chores without arguing?
Give fixed deadlines instead of instant orders, let them choose how and when, tie privileges to responsibilities, and review the chore list together once a month.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Household Chores for Adolescents.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Chores and Responsibility (updated February 2024).
Turn the chart into a game.
KUDOZ is a family app that does all of this for you: quests, XP, coins and a reward shop your kids actually want to open. Available on iPhone, coming soon to Android.
This guide shares general parenting information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a diagnosis or a care plan from a qualified professional.