15 Chores Kids Had to Do Back Then That Shock Kids Today
These everyday chores used to be part of a kid's routine—and they’d leave today’s kids speechless.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Back then, chores were not optional, and many of them would make today’s kids shake their heads in disbelief. These responsibilities were passed down early and done without question. Now, they feel more like scenes from a history book than anything remotely normal.
1. Hanging Laundry Outside, No Matter the Weather
Javid Hashimov on Wikimedia Commons
Rain or shine, kids had to hang wet clothes outside with freezing fingers or sweat dripping down their backs. Dryers were rare, and the smell of sunshine on sheets came at a price. Today’s kids would call this “manual labor.”
2. Washing Every Single Dish by Hand
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Before dishwashers were kitchen staples, kids had to scrub greasy pans and stacks of plates every night. One kid washed, the other dried, and everyone complained. There was no “skip” button for this chore.
3. Chopping Firewood Like It Was Normal
Ron Lach on Pexels
Even younger kids learned to use an axe or haul logs to keep the fire going. It was just part of life in homes that relied on wood stoves for heat. The idea of kids using sharp tools today would probably spark a safety committee meeting.
4. Watering the Garden Before Video Games Existed
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
A garden meant food, not a hobby, and kids had to tend it daily. There were no timers or sprinklers—just buckets, hoses, and muddy feet. Neglecting it meant empty dinner plates.
5. Feeding the Animals Before School
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Feeding chickens, milking cows, or checking on goats happened before the school bell rang. It was part of the morning routine, even if it meant waking up before the sun. No one got a gold star for it either.
6. Hauling Water Because Faucets Weren’t a Thing
otim gerald on Pexels
Some kids had to carry heavy buckets of water from wells or pumps just to cook, wash, or bathe. It was tiring and messy, and it always needed doing. Running water was a luxury not everyone had.
7. Sweeping Floors That Seemed to Never Stay Clean
KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels
Brooms were the vacuum cleaners of yesterday, and kids used them daily. Whether it was tracked-in dirt or food crumbs, there was always something to sweep. Yes, missing a spot meant starting over.
8. Peeling Potatoes for a Crowd
cottonbro studio on Wikimedia Commons
Prepping dinner was a team sport, and peeling vegetables was usually the kid’s job. Potatoes, carrots, onions—every meal started with manual labor. There were no frozen shortcuts or pre-chopped produce in sight.
9. Walking a Mile (or More) Just to Get to School
Norma Mortenson on Pexels
Catching a ride was a dream. Kids often had to walk long distances in any weather, sometimes carrying books and lunches. It built character—or at least strong legs.
10. Raking Leaves Wasn’t Just for Fall Fun
Kampus Production on Pexels
This wasn’t about jumping in piles. It was about getting every leaf off the lawn before the grown-ups got home. Blisters, splinters, and leaf bits stuck in your socks came with the job.
11. Cranking the Washing Machine by Hand
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
Before buttons did the job, kids turned cranks or pushed rollers to wash clothes. It was loud, slow, and soaked you in suds. Laundry day was more like a laundry war.
12. Washing Windows One Pane at a Time
Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels
Spotless windows were a matter of pride, and every streak was a kid’s fault. Cleaning meant real elbow grease and a vinegar smell that lingered for hours. There was no spray-and-go back then.
13. Dusting Furniture for What Felt Like Forever
Monstera Production on Pexels
Every flat surface had to gleam, even the ones no one used. Kids had to lift knick-knacks, dust shelves, and dodge breakables. One wrong move could lead to a broken heirloom and a whole lot of trouble.
14. Taking Out the Trash Before It Was Wheelie-Bin Easy
Anna Shvets on Pexels
Before garbage pickup was weekly and organized, trash duty meant dragging heavy metal cans or burning them in barrels. It was dirty, smelly, and always your turn. No one fought over this chore.
15. Cleaning the Porch Like It Was a Sacred Ritual
KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels
The front porch had to be spotless—especially if guests were coming. Kids were expected to sweep, wipe, and tidy everything from the steps to the railing. It was the original curb appeal lesson.