Chores are a great way to teach kids responsibility, independence, and self-sufficiency. Getting started with kids assigned chores can be challenging, but organization can help. Use one of these chore charts for kids to begin.
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At the beginning of this school year our family began a new morning routine.
After breakfast and before getting dressed, our girls began doing assigned chores – feeding the cat, making school lunches, sweeping the floor, etc.
It’s something I had been meaning to do for a long time, but getting the motivation to start was difficult.
But once our plan was in place and the kids knew what was expected, chores became routine and are now a normal part of what my girls do every day before school.
Now as the kids take care of these household tasks I just sit back, sip my tea, and enjoy scrolling through the morning news.
I wish.
But truthfully, it has been nice to pass some responsibility over to my children (hello, packing their own school lunches!) and I love seeing them confidently contribute to the household.
One key to being successful with kids’ chores is to write them down – that way there’s no question about who’s responsible for what on a given day.
Chore charts do just that. And they also serve as a visual reminder (for both parents and kids!) of which chores need to be done and when.
13 fun chore charts for kids
The following are some of the best chores charts for kids that I’ve found. A few cost money while others are free.
Try to find a chart that fits your family, life, and the timing of when your children need to do their chores.
Lemon Squeezy Home‘s DIY chore chart:
Self-Sufficient Kids‘ printable chore chart:
A clear acrylic chore chart from 1801 & Co.:
A minimalist chore chart from GoGetterClub:
A list of tasks from I Should be Mopping the Floor:
A whimsical design from A Beautiful Mess:
From Living Well Spending Less:
A DIY chore chart option from Craftaholics Anonymous:
A turquoise personalized chart from Whimsy & Hope:
A fun, playful design from Hello Cuteness:
The Freebie Finding Mom‘s chart:
A colorful minimalist design from Simply Designing:
Penny Pinchin’ Mom‘s chore chart:
From A Bowl Full of Lemons:
From The Life of Amy J Delightful:
How to Successfully Begin Chores with Kids
Picking out a chore chart is a great first step to beginning chores with kids, but it’s going to take a few more steps to be successful.
Keep these tips in mind as you begin chores with your children. For more detailed information, sign up for my five-part email course to make sure you’ve covered all the basics in giving kids chores. (Click here to sign up for the chores course)
Tip #1: Toddlerhood is best age to begin:
Giving toddlers chores may see absurd – at this age, kids can barely tie their own shoes. But toddlers are naturally willing helpers and are eager to get involved in cleaning. Harness that willingness now before it fades. To begin chores with your toddler click here for more advice.
But what if your children are beyond toddlerhood? Not to worry, it’s still possible to begin chores with kids, no matter their age. It’ll just take a bit more finesse to encourage kids to begin doing household work. The following tips will help you get there.
Tip #2: Let kids have input:
Both adults and kids are more motivated to do work when it’s work they’ve chosen – as opposed to something that’s been imposed upon them. So letting kids have input into which chores they do is a great first step in keeping them motivated to do their chores.
After you pick out a chore chart above, have all family members decide who will do which chores. Including parents in the discussion reinforces the idea that chores are something that every family member does. Kids may be surprised to learn just how much their parents already do around the house.
Beginning chores on this note creates a sense of teamwork and working together for the family’s greater good.
Tip #3: Make sure tasks are age-appropriate:
Kids will feel discouraged if they’re given chores that are too difficult. Make sure your children are choosing chores they can handle and can accomplish successfully.
To see which chores are age-appropriate for your child, click here to gain access to my Age Appropriate Chores for Children List.
Tip #4: Teach kids how to do the chores they’ve chosen:
Sometimes parents assume kids will know how to do a chore that’s easy for a parent to do. But kids almost always need a bit of guidance. Take the time to coach your kids about how to do a chore well.
Also, be careful not to have too high standards. Young kids, in particular, will never do a chore as well as adults. Instead of focusing on a perfect completion of the chore, keep in mind the larger goal of raising a willing helper.
If you feel like your child (especially young child) will feel discouraged if they’re corrected too often, let minor imperfections slide. As kids get older, we can expect more from them, but the main objective of teaching kids responsibility should always come before perfectionism.
Tip #5: Point out the positive and then correct:
If you feel that it’s appropriate to give your child feedback on how they are completing their chore, try your best not to criticize or condemn. Kids will only feel discouraged if feedback is given as a criticism. And it’s like to cause them to not want to do chores anymore.
Instead, point out a positive aspect of their work and then ask them if you can share some advice for future improvement. Kids are more willing to listen to your advice if it’s framed in a non-dictatorial way and they’ve been asked permission first. This delivery continues to set the tone of teamwork and supporting one another as every family member cleans the home.
Tip #6: Have your family do a Cleaning Saturday:
Having kids do chores daily is a great way to establish habits of responsibility. But as a family you could also establish a once-a-month Cleaning Saturday when everyone comes together to clean the entire house.
Teamwork is on full display when everyone is working at the same time. And children get a bigger glimpse into what it really takes to clean a house when everything is accomplished in one day.
Another benefit to having a Cleaning Saturday is the satisfaction of having a fully clean home for at least a day. Or more realistically a few hours. 🙂
Tip #7: Have fun:
No one enjoys cleaning! (I actually know a few people do – which blows my mind – but aren’t they the exception?). So to keep kids motivated try to make cleaning fun. Most kids enjoy listening to music or a podcast when cleaning. Others may enjoy playing a word game (like “I Spy”). These additions are especially helpful during a Cleaning Saturday when multiple tasks are completed at once.
Are you looking for more in-depth advice about kids chores? My four-day kids chores course can help. Click the image to join. You’ll first be asked a series of questions so I can send you the most relevant information for your situation. You’ll also receive my Age-Appropriate Guide to Children’s Chores as a bonus to get you started.
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How to Motivate Kids to do Chores – Without Paying Them!
