Chore Chart
The Chore Chart is a reference tool covering chore chart, chore chart for kids, weekly chore chart, chore chart printable. Use the chart below to look up values instantly. Printable and downloadable versions are available on this page.
Chore Chart by Age — Age-Appropriate Chores
| Age Group | Suitable Chores | Tips for Success |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 years | Pick up toys and put them in a bin. Put dirty clothes in the hamper. Dust low surfaces with a cloth. Wipe up small spills. Help set napkins on the table. | Keep tasks simple and short (under 5 minutes). Do chores together — make it playful. Praise the effort not the perfection. |
| 4 to 5 years | Make their bed (roughly). Set the table. Feed a pet. Help sort laundry by colour. Water plants. Carry in light groceries. Empty small waste baskets. | Break chores into single-step instructions. Use visual chore charts with pictures at this age. |
| 6 to 8 years | Vacuum a room. Load and unload the dishwasher. Fold and put away laundry. Sweep the floor. Wipe kitchen counters. Help prepare simple meals. Clean their bedroom. | Provide a written or printed chore chart. Allow them to check off completed tasks — builds intrinsic motivation. |
| 9 to 11 years | Wash dishes. Mop floors. Clean a bathroom. Mow the lawn with supervision. Do their own laundry. Prepare simple breakfast or lunch. Rake leaves. Take out bins. | Explain the why behind each chore — understanding the purpose builds buy-in. |
| 12 to 14 years | Cook a full meal with supervision. Clean entire rooms independently. Wash the car. Do grocery shopping with a list. Iron clothes. Babysit younger siblings with adult nearby. | Give increasing autonomy and responsibility. Reduce reminders — shift toward self-directed completion. |
| 15 years and above | Fully independent on all household tasks. May manage their own schedule. Can manage household alone for short periods. | Transition to treating teens as junior household members with real responsibilities rather than supervised helpers. |
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics — Chores and Responsibility and American Cleaning Institute — Home Management
Weekly Chore Chart Template
| Chore | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Who Is Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make bed | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Wash dishes or load dishwasher | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Wipe kitchen counters | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Sweep kitchen floor | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Vacuum living room | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Take out bins | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Laundry | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Clean bathrooms | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Mop floors | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Grocery shopping | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Feed pets | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
| Tidy common areas | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fill in |
Benefits of Chores for Children
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Builds life skills — children who complete regular household chores develop practical skills (cooking, cleaning, laundry) that directly support adult independence and self-sufficiency.
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Teaches responsibility and accountability — chores give children a meaningful role in the family and teach that their actions (or inactions) have real consequences for other people.
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Improves self-esteem and competence — mastering a real task and being trusted with genuine responsibility builds a different kind of confidence than praise alone.
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Research-backed long-term outcomes — a 25-year study by Marty Rossmann of the University of Minnesota found that children who began doing household chores at age 3 to 4 were more likely to be successful in their careers, have better relationships, and be more self-sufficient as adults.
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Reduces household stress for parents — fairly distributed household responsibilities reduce the physical and mental load on primary caregivers and model equitable partnership for children.
Printable Chore Chart Builder
Select your child's age group, frequency, and reward style to generate a personalised printable chore chart. Click any day box to mark it complete, then download or print.
Select an age group, frequency, and reward system above, then click Generate Chore Chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chores can a 4-year-old do?
A 4-year-old can set the table, put dirty clothes in the hamper, feed a pet, help sort laundry by colour, water plants, and put their toys away. Keep instructions to one step at a time and make chores feel like a normal and fun part of the day.
Should children be paid for chores?
This is a widely debated parenting topic — some experts argue that paying for chores teaches work-for-reward values, others argue that household contributions should be a non-negotiable part of family membership. A middle approach often works well: some chores are unpaid (basic family contributions) while additional optional chores can earn allowance.
How do I get my child to do chores without arguing?
Consistency and expectation-setting are the most effective tools — chores done at the same time each day become routine rather than battles. A visual chore chart where children can check off tasks gives them a sense of control and accomplishment that reduces resistance.
What is a reasonable chore schedule for a 10-year-old?
A 10-year-old can reasonably handle 20 to 30 minutes of chores per day. A typical schedule might include daily tasks (making bed, putting away belongings) plus 2 to 3 weekly tasks (vacuuming a room, cleaning a bathroom, doing laundry).
At what age should kids start doing chores?
Children as young as 2 to 3 years can begin with simple one-step tasks like picking up toys or putting dirty clothes in the hamper. Starting early builds the habit naturally — children who begin chores at a young age find them less onerous as they grow older.
How many chores should a teenager have?
Teenagers should be able to manage their own room independently plus contribute 2 to 4 shared household tasks per week such as cooking a meal, doing laundry, cleaning a bathroom, or grocery shopping. Total time is typically 30 to 60 minutes per day.
What if my child refuses to do their chores?
Remove the option of refusal by treating chores as a normal non-negotiable part of family life rather than a request. Clearly communicated consistent consequences (no screens until chores are done) and regular routines are more effective than arguing or nagging.
Should chores be gender-neutral?
Research strongly supports assigning all household tasks to all children regardless of gender. Children who see all household tasks as shared regardless of sex develop more equitable expectations in adult relationships and partnerships.