Keeping your house clean and organized can be overwhelming, especially when you have kids. Of course, it would be lovely to hire a housekeeper, but most of us do not have the option. That is why I do the next best thing- put my kids to work using family chore charts!
I am a firm believer it is never too early to get your kids involved and teach them how to participate with the household chores. Having a routine is good for children, and having a household chore routine also helps them develop their own self discipline.
Creating a chore chart for kids is a great way to get them started doing chores around the home, and help them stick to the routine.
You can hang your chore chart template in a place where your children can see it, and check off each chore as they finish it. I like to print out and laminate the chore charts, and then have my kids check off their chores with a dry erase marker when they do them. I personally think it also makes it more fun if the chore charts are colorful and fun, like these chore charts.
Creating a Chore Chart That is Right For You
I know with my first child, I was somewhat clueless of what chores were appropriate for what age. But, now that he is older I have a much better understanding of what children can do at each age level and stage. Keep in mind that every child is different, and what one 3 year old can do, does not necessarily mean every 3 year old can. Tailor the chores to meet your children’s skills and abilities.
Download the free weekly printable chore charts here:
Here is a list by age range appropriate chore chart ideas for children:
2-3 Year Olds
- help make their bed
- help pick up toys and play things
- place dirty laundry in a hamper/basket
- help feed the family pet
- dust
- vacuum (my 3 year old loves to follow me around while I vacuum with a dust-buster!)
5-7 Year Olds
- make bed every day
- feed family pet
- put dishes in the dishwasher
- fold laundry
- put laundry away
- mop floor
- help make meals (with supervision)
8-12 Year Olds
- keep room clean
- take trash outside
- make easy meals (with supervision)
- clean bathroom
- rake leaves
- laundry
For Teens
- cook meals
- change light bulbs
- mow lawn
- babysit younger siblings
Don’t expect perfection when your children are first starting. A three year old will not be able to make their bed perfectly, but that’s okay. They are learning, and that is what is really important!
Also, remember it is a personal decision whether or not you want to provide rewards or pay your children for doing their chores.
Personally, when my children were younger I did not pay them. They did not yet understand the concept of earning money and were not motivated by money. A simple piece of candy was a reward they were happy with.
But, once my son turned ten, we provided a list of chores and a set allowance. Setting an allowance for completed chores can be a great motivator for older children and teens to complete their work.
Whatever you decide, these Free Printable Chore Charts are a great way to get your child started doing household chores!
Want another chore tracker template? Here’s a great one:
Download the chore chart here.
Want more printables? Check out my Household Binder here.
