Chores for Teenagers: Are They Really Necessary?

Once your child is a teenager, they're most likely involved in extracurriculars, social activities, and trying to keep up with school assignments. While they have all of that going on, is it really necessary to assign them regular chores as well?

Our answer? YES! Teenagers may be more independent than younger kids, but they still need direction and structure. After all, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control—won't fully mature until around age 25. Giving teens regular chores helps them develop responsibility, practice important life skills, and contribute to the family.

Why Chores Matter for Teens

Chores aren't just about keeping the house tidy. They teach accountability, time management, and problem-solving. Plus, they offer a sense of accomplishment that builds confidence. As teenagers juggle school, extracurriculars, and social lives, having regular responsibilities at home provides valuable structure. It helps them learn to contribute to a household and start to establish habits that will serve them well once they are living on their own. 

How Many Chores Should a Teenager Have?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is to assign daily and weekly tasks. The number of chores will depend on your teen’s schedule, but 2-4 daily chores and a couple of larger weekly tasks are generally reasonable. As you assign them chores, consider their age, workload from school, and extracurricular activities, as well as the needs of your home. 

Daily Chores for Teens

Here’s a list of simple, practical daily chores for teenagers:

• Make their bed and keep their room tidy

• Unload and load the dishwasher

• Take out the trash and recycling

• Feed and walk pets

• Daily tidying of bathroom spaces, living spaces, and their car (if applicable)

• Help with dinner prep and/or cleaning up after meals

Weekly Chores for Teens

In addition to daily tasks, teens can handle more complex chores like:

• Laundry: Washing, drying, folding, and putting away their clothes

• Yard Work: Mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, or raking leaves

• Vacuuming and Mopping: Rotating between common areas and bedrooms

• Cleaning Bathrooms: Scrubbing sinks, toilets, and showers

• Organizing: Tidying shared spaces like the pantry, garage, or family room

Age-Appropriate Chores: A Quick Guide

Looking for age-specific ideas? Here’s a quick list of chores for 13-year-olds and beyond:

• 13-year-olds: Sweep floors, clean mirrors, empty the dishwasher, take out the trash

• 14-year-olds: Cook simple meals, clean bathrooms, and mow the lawn

• 15-year-olds: Grocery shop with supervision, wash the car, manage their laundry

• 16 and up: Babysit siblings, run errands, make family meals

Using a Chore Chart for Teens

Chore charts aren't only for small children! A chore chart is a great way to keep teens accountable. A reusable chore chart with sections for daily and weekly tasks is a great visual reminder that helps them track their responsibilities and is an easy way for parents to check in without nagging. It's a way to help teens practice writing down their responsibilities instead of trying to keep them all in their heads, which will serve them well as they prepare for their next phase of life. 

Final Thoughts

Giving teenagers regular chores isn’t about adding to their plate—it’s about helping them build habits that will serve them for years to come. With a thoughtful mix of age-appropriate tasks, clear expectations, and a bit of patience, you'll be empowering your teen to become a responsible, capable adult.

Need a practical solution to keep your teen on track? Check out our customizable chore charts, perfect for adding structure and accountability to your home!