Are you looking for a way to help your kids stay organised and on top of their chores? If so, you probably know a lot about the benefits of chores for kids, and may need a chore chart! Chore charts can be a great way to help kids learn responsibility and develop good habits. There are many different ways to create a chore chart, and it can be tailored to fit your specific needs. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 different chore chart ideas that you can use at home, as well as when to use a chore chart for kids and what to include.
Related: Chores for kids
How do you make a chore chart?
One way to make a chore chart is to use a whiteboard or chalkboard. Write out the tasks that need to be completed each day, and then have your child check them off as they are completed. You can also use a dry-erase board or create a sticker chart. Another option is to use a printable chore chart. There are many different designs available online, or you can create your own.
Related: Free printable chore chart
When should you start a chore chart?
A chore chart can be started at any age, but it is important to consider the developmental abilities of your child. For younger children, you may want to stick with simpler tasks such as picking up their toys or getting dressed independently. Older children can handle more complex tasks such as doing the dishes or taking out the rubbish. Either way, establishing good habits at an early age will help your child become more responsible and organised as they grow.
Psychology behind a chore chart
A chore chart for kids can be a great motivational tool and harness the power of psychology to help your child form good habits. As your child creates chore routines and learns new skills, they will gain confidence and learn personal responsibility. Printable chore charts or other chore tracking methods that kids check off daily help them feel accomplished, encouraging them to stick with their new habits over time.
Where to put/hang your chore chart
Whether you use printable chore charts or create your own with one of our homemade chore chart ideas, hang it somewhere the whole family can easily access. A location that your kids see regularly and where they can easily check off their chores is ideal. Consider hanging your chore chart for kids on the fridge, in the main hallway, or in another easily visible area at home.
9 DIY chore charts
There are many different ways that you can create a chore chart, from using whiteboards to designing printable chore charts. Here are nine different ideas to get you started:
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Magnet board chart
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Illustrations chore chart
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Peg chart
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Whiteboard chart
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Chore jar
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Extra cash chore chart
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Morning and evening routine chore chart
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Chore popsicle sticks (in place of a chore chart)
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Spinning wheel chore chart
1. Magnet board chart
On the board, write out the names of the members of your household. Then, write out each chore on separate magnets, and use them to assign chores to each person. You can have a 'to do' and 'done' side to keep track of progress.
2. Illustrations chore chart
This is a great option for kids who are visual learners. Find some pictures of the chores you want your child to do, print them out and put them on a chart. You can use a poster board or even create a printable chore chart on the computer. This is a great way to keep track of what needs to be done and it’s fun for kids too.
3. Peg chart
This is a simple yet effective way to track chores. All you need is a clothesline and some pegs. Write each chore on a piece of paper and clip it onto the line. As each chore is completed, your child can move the paper to the ‘done’ side — or remove it from the line.
4. Whiteboard chart
A whiteboard is a great way to keep track of chores because it’s easy to erase and change as needed. Write out the chores on the board and then let your child check them off as they’re completed. You can even use different coloured markers to make it more fun or colour-code different types of chores.
5. Chore jar
This is a fun and easy way to assign chores. Write out each chore on a small piece of paper, fold them up and put them in a jar. Then, let your child choose one at random to do for the day. You can also use this method to assign rewards (for example, if your child does all their chores for the week, they can choose a prize from the jar).
6. Extra cash chore chart
This homemade chore chart idea creates ways for kids to earn money in addition to daily chores. Simply create a chart with special jobs and the amount you’re willing to pay listed on the card and hang it up where kids can easily see. Bigger jobs like mowing the lawn or reorganising the garage make great extra cash chores.
7. Morning and evening routine chore chart
A morning and evening chore chart might be the perfect solution for parents wanting to help their kids build a better sense of routine. Create a chart with a morning and evening section to help kids build a daily routine for their chores. Use a printable chart, magnet board, or whiteboard to help kids keep track.
8. Chore popsicle sticks (in place of a chore chart)
Instead of the traditional paper chart or chalkboard, consider a fun twist with popsicle sticks. List a chore on each popsicle stick and decorate them with washi tape or markers. Have kids pull sticks to decide their tasks and use empty jars to track completed chores for each child.
9. Spinning wheel chore chart
Another fun take on regular chore charts is creating a spinning wheel for kids to pick their chores. Write a different chore on each section of the wheel, and have kids spin to decide which jobs they’ll have each day. Alternatively, you can use a spinning wheel as a fun way to decide rewards for completed chores.
What is a good chore chart list?
Now that you know some of the different ways you can make a chore chart for kids, it’s time to start filling it in. But exactly what is a good chore chart list? Here are a few things to consider:
- The age of your child: be sure to assign age-appropriate tasks. For younger children, simple tasks like putting away their toys or making their bed are good options. Older children can handle more complex chores like doing the dishes or taking out the rubbish.
- The number of people in your household: if you have a large family, you may want to assign tasks to specific people rather than having everyone do everything. This will help to keep things organised and ensure that all the chores get done.
- The frequency of the tasks: some tasks will need to be done daily, while others can be done weekly or even monthly. Consider how often each task needs to be done and plan accordingly.
- The time it takes to complete the task: when assigning chores, keep in mind how long each one will take to complete. You don’t want your child to be stuck doing a task that takes hours when other things need to be done.
With these things in mind, you’re ready to start creating your own chore chart. Remember, there is no one right way to do it — so have fun and be creative! Here are some common chores for kids aged 6 to 16 for inspiration:
#1: Make the bed
Encourage kids to make their bed when they get up in the morning by adding it to your chore chart to teach kids good morning habits and the importance of a clean space.
#2: Brushing teeth and getting ready
Many parents struggle to convince young children to brush their teeth at bedtime or get ready for the day. Help kids build a daily routine by adding teeth brushing, putting clothes on, and other basic tasks to the daily chore chart.
#3: Putting away toys and cleaning up personal spaces
Another common struggle for parents is teaching kids to clean up their messes. Depending on your child's age, add a five-minute pickup, straightening room, and cleaning other personal spaces to the chore chart regularly.
#4: Taking care of pets
Help your child learn responsibility by adding chores to help take care of the family pet. Getting food, filling water, walks, and cleaning up the yard are all great chore and pocket money options.
#5: Laundry
Every kid can benefit from learning how to do laundry, and it’s a great skill to teach in stages. Young kids can match socks, while older kids can learn to sort laundry, wash, dry, and fold their loads.
#6: Kitchen responsibilities
The kitchen is a common area that everyone in the family dirties, so adding cleaning responsibilities to your chore chart can help kids contribute to the household. Add age-appropriate tasks like putting dishes away or loading the dishwasher.
#7: Reorganise an area
Consider adding ways for kids to earn money by cleaning out old toy bins, reorganising their closet, or helping with family common areas. Teens can learn skills to prepare for a job and practice managing their own money with chores and pocket money through a kids debit card.
#8: Cleaning
Consider adding regular cleaning chores and pocket money opportunities to your list. Kids can help out around the house with tasks like dusting, sweeping, wiping counters, and other cleaning chores.
#9: Read a book or learn about money
Encourage good learning habits by adding reading or financial learning to your chores and pocket money list. Reward kids for reading a book or learning more about money with lessons like Money Missions.
#10: Practice kindness
Kindness is a habit many parents aim to build with their children. Add chore chart tasks like doing something nice for a sibling, neighbour, or friend. Encourage your child to give by setting aside a portion of their chore and pocket money for a charitable cause.
#11: Washing dishes
A chore chart for kids can typically include some help washing dishes no matter the age. Younger kids can take dishes to the sink, and older children can rinse dishes and load the dishwasher. Have kids start with the basics and build up to bigger dishwashing tasks.
#12: Hoovering
If you think your child is capable of holding a hoover, have them help with regular hoovering responsibilities. Younger children can watch you or older siblings to learn this activity.
#13: Cleaning bathrooms
Bathrooms need cleaning regularly and make a great addition to your homemade chore chart ideas. Consider adding tasks like wiping down counters, picking up dirty clothes and towels, and cleaning the toilet or shower to your list.
#14: Taking out the rubbish
Kids can empty smaller rubbish bins around the house as well as take bin bags out to the main waste bin. Older kids can be responsible for taking the rubbish to the front of the house on pickup day.
#15: Mowing the lawn
Mowing the lawn is a great skill to teach, and adding it to a chore chart for kids ensures it gets done consistently. Add mowing the lawn as a regular chore, and make sure you supervise kids until they’re comfortable on their own.
#16: Gardening
Gardening makes another great chore to get kids out of the house. Add tasks like pulling weeds, watering plants, and raking leaves to your chore routine.
#17: Cleaning windows
Cleaning windows makes a useful task to teach kids how to care for their own future home. Younger kids can wash window sills with wet rags while older children can learn how to clean blinds and window panes.
#18: Organising wardrobes and drawers
Closets and drawers can become messy quickly, and keeping things nicely folded is a great habit to teach your kids. Teach children to keep their clothes tidy by adding a regular chore to organise their clothing spaces.
#19: Setting/clearing the table
Kids love getting involved with family meals, and it's a fantastic way to teach life skills. Have kids set the table for dinner or help clear the table after a meal. As children age, teach them how to store leftovers and serve dinner for family and friends.
#20: Helping with grocery shopping
Grocery shopping is another great way to get kids involved in household responsibilities. Set a regular task for kids to help plan dinners for the week or create a chore for children to help unload groceries from the store.
#21: Helping with cooking
Cooking meals or simply preparing their own snacks can make excellent additions to any chore chart for kids. Set a weekly time for kids to cook a meal or have kids help prepare food for the family in the kitchen regularly.
As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from. And remember, this is just a starting point — you can always add or remove tasks as needed. The most important thing is to find a chore chart that works for your family and helps to keep everyone organised.
Motivate your kids to do chores with GoHenry
If you’re looking for a way to motivate your kids to do their chores, look no further than GoHenry. This award-winning kids debit card & pocket money app makes it easy for kids to earn money and rewards for completing tasks like doing the dishes or taking out the rubbish. This will help motivate them to get their chores done. Plus, parents can easily manage pocket money and set spending limits — so kids can learn how to earn, budget and save. This is a great way to help them develop good financial habits that will last a lifetime. And these are just a few of the ways GoHenry can benefit parents. Ready to find out more? Read about how GoHenry can help your family today.
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