As children grow up, giving them more responsibility can be good for their development. Though some kids may embrace chores more readily than others, youngsters have much to gain from being given a little more responsibility around the house.

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry notes that children given age-appropriate chores can learn time management skills and how to balance work and play from a young age, among other lessons. The AACAP also notes that chores can help to establish a good foundation for functioning independently.

When choosing chores for children, it’s essential that parents find age-appropriate tasks. If kids are asked to perform tasks that are beyond their abilities, they likely won’t reap the rewards of doing chores and might even hesitate when presented with new chores down the road. With that in mind, parents can follow these age-based chores recommendations, courtesy of the AACAP.

Two- to three-year olds

The AACAP notes that kids in this age group can be tasked with putting away their toys and even pitch in when Mom and Dad put groceries away. Kids who help put groceries away should be given lightweight, non-breakable items (i.e., steer clear of jars of tomato sauce).

Four- to five-year-olds

Around this time kids can start making their own beds, though it’s important that parents recognize kids likely won’t make the bed perfectly. Four- and five-year-olds also can help feed pets (parents can watch initially to ensure pets aren’t overfed) and help to clear the table after dinner.

Six- to seven-year-olds

Kids in this age group can wipe tables and counters, put their laundry away and even pitch in when cleaning floors with a broom. If six- and seven-year-olds are tasked with putting away their laundry, just make sure they don’t need to climb dressers to place items in the uppermost drawers, which can lead to accidents and injuries. If kids have taller dressers, limit this chore to putting away only those clothes that go in lower, easily accessible drawers.

Seven- to nine-year-olds

The AACAP notes that children in this age bracket can load and unload the dishwasher, help prepare meals and pack their own lunch for school. When kids are assigned these tasks, parents should keep sharp knives beyond kids’ reach, and some may want to check lunch boxes after kids go to bed to ensure the midday meal they prepared is not exclusively candy.

10- to 11-year-olds

Youngsters around these ages can change sheets, clean the kitchen or bathrooms and be given some light yard work.

12-years-old and older

The AACAP notes children 12 and older can wash the car and help look after younger siblings. Teens can help shop for groceries and run errands.

Parents know no two children are the same, so it’s important to be subjective when considering these guidelines. Parents can watch children perform new chores the first few times to ensure they’re up to the tasks. More information about chores can be found at aacap.org.