Free Printable Chore Chart

INSIDE : A great Free Printable Chore Chart for your preschoolers, toddlers and Elementary Aged children! Easily customize and print it for your family to use over and over again! A great chore chart template for kids of all ages.

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This post has been updated since it’s original publish date of April 2015.

For all you mamas (and dads, too) what are your thoughts on preschooler chores and allowances?  I’m still out for debate on earning allowance quite yet, as we have an almost 3 year old and a 4 year old.  However, I am a HUGE fan of helping out the family with age appropriate tasks!

My kids definitely have jobs that they are required to do around the house, so I decided it was time to make it more official and I’ve designed a Free Printable Chore Chart.

Be sure to read to the bottom of the post for the downloadable print.

What is the best age to start a kid’s chore chart?

I am a firm believer that being part of a family, no matter your age, means you have certain jobs and tasks that are required, to help the better of the whole.  

I don’t think it can ever be too early to start teaching aspects of work ethic, responsibility and a sense of pride for jobs well done.

How to create a free printable chore chart for your child

I think most children are happy to help with age appropriate tasks and it’s wonderful to start those habits early.  The tasks don’t have to be hard or take a lot of time, it’s just the act of doing them and not complaining that is key.  We do lots of talking about having a “joyful heart” a lot at my house and having a chore chart for kids helps my children know what we expect of them.

Chore chart template

I’ve left blanks on the left hand side for you to fill out with your child’s specific chores and responsibilities.  Each day they complete a task, they can cross off the coordinating colored circle.  At the end of the week, you can tally how many they accomplished!

How to reward using a Kids Chore list chart

The reward for completing chores is a personal family choice.  However, some decide on allowance each week if a certain number of chores are completed.  I always grew up having to do chores as just part of being in the family.

Another fun idea that my mom had when I was little was that I had to complete certain chores in order to earn my first two-wheel bicycle.

The notes section of this chart is a great place to put if there is a reward, special treat or allowance for a certain number of chores completed.

Wipeable Chore Chart tip

Many of you have messaged me, loving this printable, but one great tip I wanted to pass along from a reader was she printed it out and put her color print in a clear presentation sleeve page.  Then she could use a dry eraser marker and cross chores off and wipe it all away at the end of the week!  Brilliant, thanks for sharing!  And I found the PERFECT sheet protectors that come in 12 different colors and even holds a dry eraser marker!

Along with my FREE PRINTABLE, I’ve compiled a list of Preschooler and Toddler age appropriate chores.  

Age appropriate Preschool chores

• Put toys back in baskets or bins
• Matching/sorting organization projects (toys by shape or color, etc.)
• Put books back on shelves
• Pick up floor toys and books
• Put clothes in hamper
• Hang jackets on hook
• Wiping down counters
• Wiping down tables
• Help carry in things from car
• Take off shoes at the door

Age appropriate Elementary Aged chores

• Sweep the floors
• Dusting accessible shelves
• Wiping down windowsills
• Put clothes away in drawers or baskets
• Make bed
• Hang lunchbox on hook
• Load or unload the washer/dryer
• Feed pets
• Bring in the mail
• Help set the table
• Helping with snack or mealtime prep
• Bring dirty dishes to the sink
• Help with washing dishes
• Put away silverware, pots and pans, etc.
• Wiping out sinks
• Watering plants

Age appropriate Middle School chores

• Dust furniture
• Wash cars
• Daily Room Tidying
• Help with gardening tasks
• Mow the lawn
• Babysit younger siblings 
• Managing Their Own Laundry
• Changing Bed Sheets
• Loading and Unloading the Dishwasher
• Washing dishes by hand
• Taking Out Trash and Recycling
• Keeping their bathroom clean

Ideas for encouraging children to do chores

Encouraging kids to do chores can be a balancing act, but it often comes down to clear expectations, fostering a sense of ownership, and consistent follow-through.

Start by framing chores as a family effort, where everyone contributes to maintaining the home, rather than just tasks assigned to them. Be very specific about what needs to be done and make sure their jobs are always age-appropriate.

To increase their motivation, you can offer choices – such as whether they’d prefer to clean the bathroom on Saturday morning or if they’d rather vacuum. This flexibility, within agreed upon options, can make them feel more in control.

Looking for more family friendly project ideas? Check these out…