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 printable chore charts here:
Here is a list of some age 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
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!
These printables are for personal use only. You may not alter them or redistribute them for monetary gain without written consent from the author, Sarah Titus.
Want another chore tracker template? Here’s a great one:
Download the chore chart here.
Want more printables? Check out my Household Binder here.
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