When should kids start doing chores and how much is reasonable?

Start with age-appropriate tasks around 3 or 4 - stuff like putting toys in a bin or helping feed a pet - because kids actually enjoy feeling useful at that age. As they get older you can gradually add more responsibility, like loading a dishwasher at 8 or 9, doing laundry around 12. The key is keeping it reasonable so chores don't become punishment; a 10-year-old shouldn't be doing hours of work, more like 15-30 minutes of actual responsibility daily. Most parents I know find that the real benefit isn't a spotless house but teaching kids that taking care of a home is just what everyone does together.