The best examples of printable chore charts for kids - 3 examples you can use today

3 real examples of printable chore charts for kids parents actually use

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to the fun part: real examples. When parents ask for examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples that actually work, they’re usually looking for:

• Something simple enough to start tonight
• Flexible enough to grow with their kids
• Clear enough that kids can see what’s expected without a long lecture

Below are three core chore chart styles, plus several variations, so you end up with 6–8 concrete ideas you can mix and match.

Example 1: Weekly grid chore chart (great for school-age kids)

Think of this as the classic “Monday through Sunday” chart you stick on the fridge. This example of a printable chore chart for kids works beautifully for ages 6–12 who can read simple words and like checking boxes.

How it’s set up
You create a grid with days of the week across the top and chores down the left side. Each box is a place to check off a task or add a sticker.

Typical rows might include:

• Make bed
• Brush teeth (morning)
• Brush teeth (night)
• Put dishes in sink or dishwasher
• 10 minutes of toy pickup
• Homework or reading time
• Feed pet

You can print one chart per child or one shared family chart with each child’s name in a different color.

Why this is one of the best examples
This is one of the best examples of printable chore charts for kids because it teaches time management in a gentle way. Kids can see their whole week at a glance. It’s also easy to adapt: if soccer season starts, you add “Pack soccer bag” to the days they practice.

Concrete variation ideas for this weekly grid

Use these variations to create multiple examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples can easily turn into six or more:

• Color-coded chores by type: Morning chores in blue, afternoon chores in green, evening chores in purple. This helps visual learners know what to focus on at different times of day.
• Responsibility vs. extra jobs: One column for “daily responsibilities” (no payment) and another for “extra jobs” (earn a small allowance or reward). This helps kids understand the difference between contributing to the family and doing paid work.
• Points instead of checkmarks: Give each chore a point value. For example, making the bed = 1 point, cleaning the bathroom sink = 3 points. At the end of the week, kids trade points for rewards like choosing a movie or extra playground time. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that chores help build responsibility, and a simple point system can make that feel motivating instead of like punishment.

How to introduce this chart to your child

Sit down together for 10–15 minutes and:

• Ask your child what they think they’re already responsible for (you might be pleasantly surprised).
• Add 1–2 new chores, not 10. Overloading the chart is the fastest way to watch it fail.
• Let your child choose the color of the chart or the style of the checkmarks or stickers. That little bit of ownership goes a long way.

When parents ask for examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples that won’t overwhelm my child, this weekly grid is almost always on the list because you can start tiny and build over time.

Example 2: Picture-based chore chart (perfect for toddlers and preschoolers)

If your child can’t read yet, a picture chart is your best friend. This example of a printable chore chart for kids uses simple images instead of words, so even a 3-year-old can understand what comes next.

How it’s set up
Instead of a big weekly grid, you use a shorter daily routine chart. Each row has:

• A picture (like a toothbrush, a bed, a toy box, a plate)
• A very short label in big letters (BRUSH, BED, TOYS, DISHES)
• A checkbox or space for a sticker

You might have two separate charts: a morning routine chart and a bedtime routine chart.

Examples include:

• Picture of a sun – “Wake up and get dressed”
• Picture of a toothbrush – “Brush teeth”
• Picture of a bed – “Make bed”
• Picture of a cereal bowl – “Eat breakfast”
• Picture of a toy box – “Put toys away”
• Picture of pajamas – “Put on pajamas”
• Picture of a book – “Read with parent”

Why this is one of the best examples for younger kids
Research shows that even young children benefit from predictable routines. The CDC notes that routines can help kids feel safe and reduce behavior struggles in daily transitions (CDC parenting resources). A picture chart turns routine into a friendly visual story instead of a constant stream of verbal reminders.

This is one of the best examples of printable chore charts for kids because it works even if your child can’t read a word. They simply move down the pictures.

Helpful variations for picture charts

Here’s where we turn one example into several practical ideas:

• Velcro or magnet pictures: Print the chores as individual cards and stick them to a laminated board or magnetic surface. Kids move each picture from the “To Do” side to the “Done” side.
• First-Then charts: For kids who get overwhelmed, use a two-step chart: “First: Put toys away. Then: Choose a show.” This structure is often recommended for kids with ADHD or autism because it breaks tasks into manageable steps. The CDC’s ADHD resources emphasize clear, simple expectations, and First-Then charts support that.
• Theme-based charts: Use a theme your child loves—dinosaurs, space, princesses, trucks—and place the pictures along a path (like a road or rocket path). As they complete a chore, they move a marker along the path.

When parents look for real examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples that cover all ages, the picture chart is almost always the go-to for ages 3–5.

Example 3: Responsibility & allowance chart (for tweens and teens)

Once kids hit 9–10 years old, they’re ready for more meaningful responsibilities. This example of a printable chore chart for kids blends daily chores with money management and independence.

How it’s set up
Instead of a cute picture chart, you use a cleaner, more “grown-up” layout. Think:

• Column 1: Chore or responsibility
• Column 2: How often (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Column 3: Required or optional
• Column 4: Points or dollar value (if you use allowance)
• Column 5: Completed checkmark

Chores might include:

• Daily: Make bed, clean up personal dishes, 15-minute room tidy
• Weekly: Take trash to curb, vacuum living room, help with laundry
• Monthly: Deep clean bathroom, organize closet, help with yard work

Why this is one of the best examples for older kids
Older kids want to feel trusted and capable. This chart treats them like the almost-adults they are. It also opens the door to conversations about money, saving, and budgeting.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau encourages parents to teach kids how to earn and manage money in age-appropriate ways. Tying some chores to allowance or points is a simple step in that direction.

Variations that make this chart really work

To turn this into one of the best examples of printable chore charts for kids, try:

• Non-monetary rewards: Not every family wants to tie chores to money. Use privileges instead: extra screen time, staying up 30 minutes later on Friday, choosing dinner one night.
• Shared family responsibilities section: Add a section for chores that rotate among family members—like dishes, sweeping, or pet care. Teens pick a job for the week and sign their name.
• Skills column: Add a column labeled “Skill I’m building” (cooking, organizing, time management). This helps older kids see chores as life skills rather than punishment.

This style is often one of the best examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples usually include at least one that feels more like a planner than a “kid chart,” and this is it.

Mixing and matching: turning 3 examples into a custom system

So far we’ve walked through three core examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples that cover preschoolers to teens. But most families don’t live in a single category. You might have a 4-year-old and a 10-year-old under the same roof.

Here’s how to combine these examples into a system that actually fits real life:

Blend a weekly grid with picture icons

For early readers (ages 5–7), you can merge the weekly grid chart with picture icons. Use a simple weekly layout, but instead of only text in the left column, add a small image next to each chore.

Examples include:

• Toothbrush icon + “Brush teeth”
• Bed icon + “Make bed”
• Paw print icon + “Feed dog”

This hybrid is one of the best real examples of printable chore charts for kids who are just starting to read but still lean on visuals.

Use a family “command center” plus individual charts

Many families in 2024–2025 are using a combination of:

• One central family chart (often on the fridge or near the door)
• Individual printable chore charts for each child

The family chart shows shared chores and rotating jobs. Each child’s chart shows their personal responsibilities. This approach reflects a trend toward treating chores as part of family teamwork, not just something kids “have to do.”

Add digital reminders to a printable chart

Even if you love paper charts, you can pair them with tech. Many parents now:

• Use a printable chart on the wall
• Add reminders in a shared family calendar app

Kids check off chores on paper, but get a gentle reminder on a device. This hybrid approach works especially well for tweens and teens who already live on their phones. It also supports kids who struggle with executive functioning, something the NIH notes can affect daily routines and task completion.

How to choose between these examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples, many options

When you’re staring at multiple examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples or more, it can feel oddly stressful to pick one. Here’s a quick way to decide:

• For ages 3–5: Start with the picture-based chart. Keep it short—5 or fewer tasks.
• For ages 6–9: Try the weekly grid chart with simple words and maybe small icons.
• For ages 10–14: Use the responsibility & allowance chart with clear expectations and more grown-up language.

And remember, nothing is permanent. If one example of a printable chore chart for kids isn’t working after two weeks, you can:

• Shrink the number of chores
• Switch from weekly to daily
• Add or remove rewards
• Change the design so your child feels like they’re starting fresh

The real magic isn’t in the paper; it’s in the routine, the follow-through, and the sense of “We’re a team, and everyone helps.”

FAQ about real examples of printable chore charts for kids

Q: What are some simple examples of printable chore charts for kids I can start with tonight?
A: Three simple starting points are: a picture-based morning routine chart for a preschooler, a weekly grid chart with 4–6 chores for a school-age child, and a basic responsibility chart with 5–8 tasks for a tween. These three are classic examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples that cover most families’ needs.

Q: Can you give an example of age-appropriate chores for a 5-year-old?
A: Yes. Age-appropriate examples include putting toys in a bin, placing dirty clothes in a hamper, helping set the table with unbreakable items, watering plants with a small cup, and wiping low surfaces with a damp cloth. The AAP notes that even young children benefit from simple, consistent chores as part of family life.

Q: How many chores should I put on one chart?
A: For younger kids (3–6), keep it to about 3–5 daily chores. For school-age kids (7–10), 5–8 daily or near-daily tasks usually works. For tweens and teens, you can add more weekly and monthly responsibilities. Start small; you can always add more once the chart becomes a habit.

Q: Do chore charts really work, or do kids just ignore them after a week?
A: They can absolutely work, but only if you use them consistently and keep them realistic. The key is to review the chart at the same time every day (after dinner, before bedtime), praise effort, and adjust if it’s too hard or too easy. When parents treat chore charts as a shared tool instead of a punishment, kids are much more likely to stick with them.

Q: Should I always link chores to allowance?
A: Not necessarily. Some families treat certain chores as basic responsibilities (no payment) and offer allowance or points for extra jobs. Others prefer to separate chores and money entirely. You can experiment with both approaches. The important part is being clear and consistent about what your family expects.

Q: How often should I change or refresh the chart?
A: Many families find it helpful to refresh chore charts every 3–4 months or at the start of a new season (back-to-school, summer break, holidays). Kids grow, schedules change, and chores should shift with them. Updating the chart together keeps kids engaged and reminds them that responsibilities grow as they do.

When you look at all these examples of printable chore charts for kids – 3 examples at the core and several variations – think of them as starting templates, not rules carved in stone. Print one, try it for two weeks, tweak what isn’t working, and keep the parts that do. Over time, you’ll land on a system that fits your family’s rhythm and gives your kids a clear, confident way to help at home.