In many homes, chores get shared out by default: whoever notices the dust first ends up doing everything. Drawing tasks at random makes the split visible and stops it turning into a running argument.
Every task on the wheel comes with a rough time and the right method, the one that saves doing the job twice. The Kids variant offers age-appropriate tasks along with the age children can usually manage them. Helping from age three, even a little, builds the habit for later.
How to use it
- List the week’s chores and estimate the total time; aim for a roughly equal load for each adult.
- Take turns spinning until every task has an owner. A task someone drew the previous week can be swapped.
- Write the schedule somewhere visible, on the fridge or in a shared calendar, with the day each task is due.
- Review it at the end of the week: anything left undone goes first next week.
All the options
- Putting toys away
- From age 2 or 3. One box per type of toy with a photo stuck on the front, and a five-minute timer to set the pace.
- Pairing socks
- From age 3, and it works like a memory game: spread out clean socks and have them find the pairs. Five minutes, and a real help.
- Clearing their plate
- From age 3. The child carries their plate, then their cutlery, to the sink, in two trips so nothing gets dropped; 2 minutes after each meal.
- Setting the table
- From age 4. Show once where each item goes (fork on the left, knife on the right with the blade facing the plate), starting with things that cannot break.
- Wiping the table
- From age 4, with a damp sponge and no cleaning product. Crumbs get swept to the edge into a cupped hand; 2 minutes.
- Watering the plants
- From age 4, with a small watering can. Teach them to touch the soil first: if it is still damp, wait another day.
- Making their bed
- From age 5 with a duvet, which is far easier than tucked-in blankets. Shake the duvet, lay it flat and put the pillow on top: 3 minutes every morning.
- Feeding the pet
- From age 5, with a pre-measured portion or a scoop marked with a line. An adult checks the water bowl has been refilled; 3 minutes.
- Sorting dirty laundry
- From age 5. Three baskets in different colours (whites, colours, darks) for the child to sort clothes into; 5 minutes.
- Folding laundry
- From age 6, starting with tea towels and T-shirts. Show a three-step fold and accept an imperfect result at first; 10 minutes.
- Unpacking the shopping
- From age 6. The child puts away sturdy items (pasta, tins) and learns where everything lives; 10 minutes working together.
- Cordless vacuum
- From age 7, with a lightweight model. One area at a time (their bedroom, the living-room rug), after picking up small objects; 10 minutes.
- Emptying small bins
- From age 7. They collect the bathroom and bedroom bins and tip everything into the main bag; an adult deals with glass and sharp items.
- Peeling vegetables
- From age 8, with a peeler and supervision. Start with carrots and courgettes, which are easy to hold, peeling away from the body; 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you split household chores fairly?
List every task, including invisible ones (planning meals, booking appointments), estimate how long each takes per week and share out the total time rather than the number of tasks. Rotate the least popular jobs from week to week.
What chores can children do at each age?
Around 3: putting toys away, pairing socks, clearing their plate. Around 5 or 6: setting the table, making their bed, feeding a pet. Around 8: peeling vegetables with supervision, emptying small bins, using a light vacuum.
How often should you change your bed sheets?
Once a week is the most common advice, and every two weeks at the latest. Wash them at 60 °C if the label allows, especially if someone is allergic to dust mites.
Is it safe to mix cleaning products?
No: bleach mixed with an acidic product (limescale remover, vinegar) or with ammonia releases toxic gas. Use one product at a time, rinse in between and keep the room ventilated.