6 Chore Ideas for Middle School Aged Kids

Ah yes, every child’s favorite subject: chores! While chores may seem like a hassle for most kids, they may just thank you for having them do them when they’re adults.

In fact, studies have shown that chores not only teach them responsibility and how to set priorities, but are also one of the most significant factors in creating independent and happy adults. 

So, what kind of chores should you give your middle school-aged child? They’re in that weird in-between of being a small child and a teenager, and you may be wondering which chores are ideal for this stage in their development. We have you covered, so let’s jump right in!

What is Middle-School Aged?

For the sake of this article, when we refer to “middle-school-age” children, we’re referring to kids aged 10 to 13. Preteens or middle schoolers are usually more than capable of completing all kinds of tasks on their own and can get them done without constantly being reminded. 

Many of us were dealing with acne and braces, and making that transition from carefree elementary school to the daunting high school. Keeping them on track with their chores can help them become more confident and capable, helping them navigate successfully through any troubles they may face. 

Chores for Older Kids and Teens

We think you’ll find that there are virtually endless choices when it comes to giving your middle-school-aged child chores. However, as everyone is different, there are certain chores that will likely be a better match for them than others.

Together, you can talk with your child to figure out which chores would be best for them!

Doing the Laundry 

A fun way to keep kids engaged with doing their own laundry is by providing them with and letting them pick out their own laundry basket. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can have a big impact. 

By this age, they should already be used to helping with laundry - not just putting their dirty clothes in their hamper, but folding and putting away clean clothes. For middle-school-aged kids, they should be able to do everything from beginning to end. 

Aside from sorting colors, washing clothing, drying, folding, and putting clothes away, they should also be responsible for having certain articles of clothing available at appropriate times. For example, if they have soccer practice coming up on Wednesday, they should be able to track whether their uniform is clean or not. If not, they will need to make sure it’s clean and available by that day. 

Making Their Bed

It’s unfortunately not all that surprising to find college-age students out of their childhood homes for the first time and lacking the ability to know how to keep their bedding clean and organized. It’s best to nip this one in the bud at a younger age, and middle school is the perfect time to hone these skills so that by the time they leave home, it’s become a habit. 

Start them out with certain guidelines so they know how often they should have their sheets washed. That’s up to you, of course, but a good rule of thumb is to wash sheets every 1 to 2 weeks, max. 

Let them know that when they’re sick or there are some other extenuating circumstances, they need to wash their sheets more often to prevent reinfection and spreading germs to other family members. 

At this age, they should know not only how to take their sheets and other bedding off, but wash, dry, and be able to put them back on. We know that those fitted sheets are a hassle, but they’ll figure it out with practice!

Wake Up Without Assistance

When you’re an adult, you’re not likely going to have a parent who’s willing to wake you up to get to work or school on time. You probably wouldn’t want that, anyway. Learning how to wake up on your own does take practice, but it’s a very valuable skill. Heck, even as adults we have all had times where we’ve slept through an alarm! 

What’s important here as well, is ensuring they’re getting enough sleep. For preteens, 8 to 9 hours is ideal. 

Pump Gas

This is a somewhat less common chore, but still a very valuable one I wish my parents had taught me at this age!

It’s simple, yet makes them feel older and more responsible. You have to admit that it’s a cool feeling pumping gas for the first time! Not only that, but you can use it as a finance lesson, as well!

Meal Prep

By this age, your child should already be able to make their own breakfast and snacks.

It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, but they should be able to prepare more than just a piece of toast or a bowl of cereal. Show them how to use the oven safely to fry eggs, make a grilled cheese, mac & cheese, or cook ground beef. 

Personal Hygiene

Everyone will thank you for teaching your tweens proper hygiene habits! Make sure they know to shower every day, and can properly wash their hair, apply deodorant, brush teeth, and know how to navigate braces if they have them. 

Family Daily: Chore Tracking App 

Your kid may very likely have their nose in their screens all the time, so keeping them on track with a chore tracker like Family Daily is an enormous help! This family organization app keeps everyone on the same page with calendars, to-do lists, meal planning, invitations, and much more!

Better yet, they can create their own personal to-do lists, and see the shared calendars with every family member so no one is ever left in the dark.