Chore charts that actually work (free printable)

A chore chart is only useful if it gets used. The ones that fail are too complicated, too ambitious or too dull. Here is how to make one that lasts.

Choose age-appropriate jobs

Ages 4 to 6: put toys away, feed a pet with help, set napkins, make the bed in a simple way.

Ages 7 to 9: clear the table, tidy their room, water plants, help with laundry.

Ages 10 to 12: load the dishwasher, take out the bins, simple cooking, help with younger siblings.

Keep it small

Three to five jobs a day is plenty. Pick the few that matter and leave the rest.

A simple layout

Draw or print a table:

• Rows: the jobs
• Columns: Monday to Sunday
• A box for a tick or sticker each day
• A line at the bottom for the weekly total

Add a picture next to each job for young children who cannot read yet.

Everyday jobs vs extra jobs

Many families split chores in two:

• Family jobs everyone does because they live here. No reward needed.
• Extra jobs that can earn coins, money or time.

See should kids earn their allowance? for more on this.

Make it work

• Make the chart together and let your child choose the stickers.
• Put it at child's eye level somewhere you both see it.
• Show them how, then do it together before expecting them to do it alone.
• Say "good job" with details: "You put all the plates away."
• Review after two weeks and adjust.

Check, don't nag

A rule like "check at 6pm" is better than constant reminders. In Bip, a parent approves chores from their own phone, and approved chores pay coins.

When it stops working

If the chart is ignored, it is usually too long, too boring or unclear. Cut the jobs, change the reward or switch to a different format, such as a jar of tokens.

Connect with other habits

Chores can be part of an earning system for screen time. See earn screen time.