The best examples of printable chore chart templates for kids (that actually get used)

Real examples of printable chore chart templates for kids

Let’s skip the theory and start with what you actually need: real examples of printable chore chart templates for kids that you can picture on your fridge today.

Think of these as “templates in the wild” – the kinds of layouts real families use and actually stick with for more than three days.

Example of a simple picture-based chore chart for toddlers

If your child can’t read yet, a text-heavy chart is just wall art. A picture-based chart is often one of the best examples of printable chore chart templates for kids ages 2–5.

How it works in real life:

You print a one-page chart with days of the week across the top and big picture icons down the side. For example:

• A toothbrush for “brush teeth”
• A bed for “make bed”
• A plate and fork for “help set the table”
• A toy box for “pick up toys”

Your child “reads” the chart by looking at the images. Each day, they add a sticker or color in a circle next to the picture after they finish the task.

Why it works:

Young kids thrive on routines and visuals. The CDC notes that preschoolers respond well to clear, consistent expectations and simple routines, which is exactly what this type of chart supports (CDC parenting tips). A picture chart gives them independence without needing to read.

Weekly grid chart: one of the best examples for school-age kids

Once kids can read, a classic weekly grid becomes one of the best examples of printable chore chart templates for kids in elementary school.

What it looks like:

A single sheet with:

• Chores listed down the left ("Make bed,” “Feed the dog,” “Homework,” “Put backpack away")
• Days of the week across the top
• Empty boxes to check off or color in

A real example of how a family might use it:

A 9-year-old has a chart with about 6 daily tasks. The chart lives at kid-eye level on the fridge. Each evening after dinner, they go through the chart with a parent, checking boxes together and talking about what went well or what needs help tomorrow.

This kind of weekly grid is flexible enough to grow with your child. You can start with two or three tasks and gradually add more as they show they can handle it. Research on habit formation suggests that small, consistent actions are more sustainable than big, sudden changes, especially for kids.

Habit-tracker style chore chart for older kids and tweens

If you’ve got a tween who thinks chore charts are “for babies,” a habit-style layout can be a better fit. It looks more like something you’d see in a planner or bullet journal than a kiddie poster.

How this example of a printable chore chart template for kids works:

Instead of cutesy icons, the chart uses clean lines and small checkboxes. It might include:

• A section for daily habits ("Dishes,” “Laundry put away,” “Homework done,” “Phone plugged in on time")
• A section for weekly tasks ("Take out trash,” “Vacuum bedroom,” “Clean bathroom sink")
• A small notes box for goals or reminders

Older kids can track their streaks across the week or month. Many tweens are already familiar with streaks from apps and games, so this style taps into something they understand and care about.

Why it fits 2024–2025 kids:

Today’s kids are used to digital dashboards and progress bars. A habit-style chart feels more grown-up and can be a gentle bridge to using planners or digital task managers later on. It also lines up with what child development experts recommend: gradually giving kids more autonomy and responsibility as they get older (APA parenting resources).

Morning and evening routine chart: examples include split-day layouts

Some families don’t need a full menu of chores; they just need mornings and evenings to go more smoothly. In that case, examples of printable chore chart templates for kids that split the day into two sections can be a lifesaver.

What this looks like on paper:

The page is divided into two big columns:

• Morning: Make bed, get dressed, brush teeth, eat breakfast, backpack ready
• Evening: Homework, pack lunch, tidy room for 5 minutes, shower, choose clothes for tomorrow

Kids check off tasks as they go, or you can use a laminated version with a dry erase marker.

Real-world use case:

A 7-year-old who constantly forgets one step in the morning (usually shoes or backpack) uses a morning/evening chart taped to their bedroom door. Instead of nagging, the parent can say, “Check your chart,” and the child walks through the list.

This routine-based layout is one of the best examples for families who are more focused on daily flow than on traditional “chores.” It’s especially helpful for kids who get overwhelmed easily and benefit from a clear, predictable sequence.

Reward-based chore chart with points or stars

Let’s talk rewards. You don’t need to pay kids for every tiny task, but a simple reward system can help kids stay motivated, especially when they’re building new habits.

A practical example of a printable chore chart template for kids with rewards:

The chart includes three main parts:

• A list of chores with point values or star spaces ("Feed the cat – 1 point,” “Clean room – 3 points")
• A weekly or monthly tracker where kids mark completed tasks
• A reward menu at the bottom ("10 points = choose dessert,” “30 points = pick a family movie,” “50 points = one-on-one outing with parent")

How a real family might use it:

Two siblings each have their own color of marker. They earn points during the week and “cash in” on Sunday night. Rewards are mostly experiences, not big purchases, which lines up with many parenting experts’ advice to focus on intrinsic motivation and family connection over constant material rewards.

If you want to read more on building healthy motivation and routines, the Harvard Center on the Developing Child has helpful resources about how kids build self-control and responsibility over time.

Responsibility chart that mixes chores, self-care, and school

Some of the most effective examples of printable chore chart templates for kids don’t separate “chores” from the rest of life. Instead, they frame everything as part of being a responsible family member.

What this blended chart might include:

• Home tasks: Dishes, trash, feeding pets, wiping counters
• Self-care: Shower, brush teeth, clean clothes in hamper
• School: Homework done, folder signed, reading for 15 minutes

Everything goes on one chart, usually with a weekly grid. This gives kids a big-picture view of their responsibilities without making chores feel like punishment.

Why parents like this example:

It matches what many child development experts say: responsibility isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about managing yourself and your environment. Seeing it all in one place helps kids understand that their job isn’t just “help Mom,” it’s “take care of myself and my space.”

Family chore chart with shared tasks

Not every chart needs to be kid-only. Some of the best examples of printable chore chart templates for kids show that everyone in the house has jobs, including adults.

How a family chart might be set up:

The chart lists shared household tasks across the top (laundry, dishes, trash, pet care, vacuuming, yard work), and family members’ names down the side. Each person has boxes or color codes for which days they’re responsible.

Real example of how this changes the vibe:

Instead of saying, “You need to help more,” a parent can say, “Let’s look at our family chart and see who’s doing what this week.” Kids see that parents also have boxes to check off. This can reduce the sense of “chores as punishment” and increase the feeling that everyone’s on the same team.

This kind of chart can be especially helpful for older kids and teens who are ready to take on bigger, rotating responsibilities like mowing the lawn or cooking one meal a week.

Trend alert 2024–2025: Hybrid printable + digital chore systems

In 2024–2025, a lot of families are using a hybrid approach: a printable chart on the wall plus a digital backup or companion.

How this looks in real homes:

• The printable chart lives in the kitchen or hallway where kids see it constantly.
• A shared digital note or calendar (on a phone or tablet) mirrors the same chores, so parents can check progress even if they’re not at home.

Some parents snap a photo of the completed chart at the end of the week to keep a record without saving piles of paper. Others print a fresh chart each week and recycle the old one.

The printable part still matters, especially for younger kids. Visual, concrete tools support developing executive function and independence in childhood (CDC on routines and structure). The digital add-on just makes it easier for busy parents to stay in the loop.

How to choose the right template for your child

With so many examples of printable chore chart templates for kids, how do you pick one without overthinking it?

Here’s a simple way to match the chart to your child’s personality and age:

For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5):

Focus on picture-based or simple morning/evening routine charts. Keep the list short—three to five items—and celebrate effort more than perfection.

For early elementary (6–8):

A weekly grid with a mix of pictures and words works well. This is also a good age to introduce a simple reward system with stars or stickers.

For older elementary and tweens (9–12+):

Try habit-style charts, responsibility charts that include schoolwork, or family charts that show everyone’s jobs. Involve them in choosing or designing the chart; they’re more likely to use something they helped create.

For kids who struggle with focus or transitions:

Shorter lists, clear routines, and visual cues help. Breaking chores into tiny steps on the chart ("Put toys in bin,” “Put books on shelf” instead of just “Clean room") can make tasks feel doable.

If you’re curious about how routines and structure support kids with attention or behavior challenges, sites like CDC and Mayo Clinic have helpful overviews.

Tips for making any printable chore chart actually work

You can have the best examples of printable chore chart templates for kids, but if the system doesn’t fit your family, it’ll just be another sheet of paper. A few practical tips:

Keep it visible and kid-height.
A chart hidden in a drawer might as well not exist. Fridge, hallway, or bedroom door are all good spots.

Start small.
Begin with fewer chores than you think your child can handle. Let them get a streak going, then slowly add more.

Use clear, kid-friendly language.
“Put toys in the blue bin” is easier for a 5-year-old to understand than “tidy playroom.”

Review together at a set time.
Maybe it’s after dinner or before bedtime. Walk through the chart, notice what they did well, and keep it positive.

Be consistent, not perfect.
You will forget some days. Your kids will forget some days. That’s normal. The goal is building habits over time, not a perfect row of checkmarks.

Update as your child grows.
The best examples of printable chore chart templates for kids are the ones that evolve. What worked at age 4 will probably feel babyish at 8. When your child starts rolling their eyes at the current chart, that’s your signal to let them help design the next version.

FAQ: Real-world questions about chore chart templates

Q: What are some real examples of printable chore chart templates for kids that work for multiple ages?

A: A weekly grid chart paired with a simple morning/evening routine chart is a great combo for families with more than one child. Older kids can use the full weekly grid with more detailed tasks, while younger kids focus on the routine chart with pictures. A shared family chart that lists bigger household jobs can sit next to both, so everyone sees how their chores fit into the bigger picture.

Q: Can you give an example of a chore chart that doesn’t use rewards or money?

A: Yes. One example of a printable chore chart template for kids without rewards is a simple responsibility chart that tracks “family jobs.” There are no points or prizes—just checkboxes. At the end of the week, the family has a quick meeting to talk about what went well and what needs adjusting. The “reward” is more about praise, independence, and maybe extra privileges like choosing a weekend activity, not a formal prize system.

Q: How many chores should be on a chart for a 6-year-old?

A: For most 6-year-olds, five to seven small, clear tasks spread across the day is plenty. Examples include making the bed, putting dirty clothes in a hamper, feeding a pet, clearing their plate, and reading for 10–15 minutes. It’s better to have a shorter list they consistently complete than a long list they ignore.

Q: Are digital apps better than printable chore charts?

A: It depends on your child. Many younger kids respond better to something they can physically touch and mark up with stickers or markers. Printable charts also reduce screen time, which organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage parents to monitor carefully. Older kids may like apps, but even then, a printed chart in a visible spot can serve as a daily reminder.

Q: How often should I change the chore chart template?

A: Use your child’s behavior as your guide. If they’re still engaged and using the chart, you can keep it the same for months. If they’re bored or ignoring it, try a fresh layout. That’s why having several examples of printable chore chart templates for kids is helpful—you can rotate styles until you find what sticks.

The bottom line: there’s no single “perfect” chart, but there are plenty of examples of printable chore chart templates for kids that can be tweaked to fit your family. Start with one that matches your child’s age and personality, keep it simple, and let the chart grow with them. The goal isn’t a Pinterest-perfect fridge; it’s raising kids who feel capable, responsible, and proud of the part they play in family life.