Assigning a child’s chores can be a hassle.

Dr. Susan Smith Kuczmarski, author of "The Sacred Flight of the Teenager: A Parent's Guide to Stepping Back and Letting Go," suggested that parents have a child pick out two chores from an age-appropriate list, such as the one below.

These chores are in addition to basic personal responsibilities, including making his or her own bed, keeping a room picked up and all personal hygiene tasks.

She said to start children early on these tasks.

"They can learn to pick up their room, toys and make their bed a lot earlier than parents think. Even a 6-year-old is capable of making a bed. Encourage it in a fun way. Make them feel proud of their new skill," Kuczmarski said.

Here are Kuczmarski's suggestions for age-appropriate chores:

At age 6, children can go get things for their parents; put the napkins around the dinner table; make sure a dog has water in its dish; help sort clothes and take them to the right room. Parents should emphasize that children pick up their own rooms and toys and make their bed. (Be happy with how the bed looks no matter how "bumpy" it appears.)

At age 8, children can clean a sink and make it shine -- and have fun doing it. They can also help put groceries away. They can perfect their bed making and, of course, continue to pick up their rooms. Also, they can help pick up movies, toys, and other items in the family room, too.

At age 10, children can begin to set the table, wash it off after the meals, clear the dishes and begin to help out with yard work.

At middle-school age, ages 12 to 14, they can wash the dishes and clean the kitchen after meals; hand wash the car; baby-sit siblings, keep track of sporting events, uniforms and practice schedules; help with meal preparation; do outdoor yard work; help wash and fold clothes; and empty the dishwasher.

During the high school years, a teen can get up in the morning independently and be on time for school, part-time work and personal engagements; juggle all outside commitments, such as sports, school and community events; handle financial responsibilities, such as savings and spending accounts; shop for groceries; cook a meal; do laundry and take complete care of a car.

Kuczmarski said it is important for home chores to transcend traditional gender boundaries. Young men need to learn to cook, iron and do laundry. Young women need to handle tools, change their car oil, and maintain yards.