Chore Chart for Kids: How to Make One Your Family Will Use
The short answer
Pick a few clear jobs for each child, put them on one chart where everyone can see it, and check boxes as chores get done. Start small, keep the same time each day, and adjust as you go. You know your kids best, so choose jobs that fit each one. Keep cleaning products locked up and out of children’s reach. [1]
Step 1: List the jobs
Walk through a normal day and write down the jobs that keep the house running. Some common household chores:
- Making beds
- Setting and clearing the table
- Putting toys and books away
- Putting dirty clothes in the hamper
- Feeding a pet
- Emptying small trash cans
- Sorting or folding laundry
- Bringing in the mail
- Watering plants
- Unloading the dishwasher
- Vacuuming
Then match jobs to each child based on what you know they can do. If you’re not sure, try a job together first.
Step 2: Set up the chart
Keep it simple:
- A column for each child
- A row for each chore
- A box for each day
Use words for readers and small pictures for kids who aren’t reading yet. Put the chart somewhere everyone passes, like the fridge, so it works as a visual reminder. [2]
Step 3: Make it a routine
- Pick a time. “After breakfast” or “before screen time” is easier to remember than “sometime today.” Doing chores at the same time each day helps kids remember them. [2]
- Start small. Introduce one new task at a time; a long list can be overwhelming. [2]
- Show, then step back. Do a chore together a few times before handing it over.
- Check boxes right away. Marking a box when the job is done keeps the chart up to date.
Step 4: Keep it going
- Praise the effort. A bed doesn’t have to look perfect. [2]
- Decide on rewards ahead of time, if you use them, such as stickers or an allowance tied to finished chores. [2]
- Rotate the less-fun jobs so no one always gets the same one.
- Hold regular family meetings. Review how it’s going and ask kids for their ideas. [2]
- Update the chart when a job gets easy or the schedule changes.
Safety with cleaning products
If kids help with cleaning, keep safety in mind:
- Lock them up. Store cleaning and laundry products, including detergent packets, in their original packaging in locked cabinets or containers, out of children’s sight and reach. [1]
- Don’t rely on latches alone. Safety latches can help, but a child may defeat one or it may fail. [1]
- Never put cleaning products in food or drink containers. [1]
- Detergent packets: the American Academy of Pediatrics says it’s best to use liquid or powder detergent instead until all children who live in or visit your home are at least 6. [1]
- Poison help: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If a child is unconscious, not breathing or having seizures, call 911. [1]
- Questions? If you’re concerned about cleaning products, talk with your pediatrician. [1]
Pair the chart with our simple cleaning schedule so the whole house runs on one plan. For downtime ideas, see our list of screen-free activities for kids.
Make it easier
Want it on paper? Use our printables to keep track as you go.
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