Printable Chore Chart for Kids

Use this printable chore chart to help your kids learn how to do age-appropriate chores and help out around the house.

Kids doing chores always seems to be a hot topic. What is appropriate for each age? How often do they do them? How well should they be done? And do the kids get paid?

Read this list of chores by age and get a printable chore chart in three colors.

I think the answer to all of those questions really depends on your kid. A child who does chores from a young age can usually be responsible for more things earlier, but that doesn’t mean you can’t teach an older kid new skills. As my kids have grown, so has their to-do list.

As I often have to remind my older child, expectations at one age aren’t the same as at another. And as they get older and have other responsibilities (like homework) they might have fewer chores because they simply don’t have time to do them.

Here’s what has worked for us.

What chores can kids do?

The list below includes chores based on the general age group that a child can learn how to do different chores. That doesn’t mean your child will be doing them at that age, but it’s a skill they can work on.

And of course, it doesn’t mean they’ll be doing ALL of those chores regularly. Use your best parenting judgment to decide what your kids can do.

Preschool Chores

(With help, as needed. This is more about learning how to do things than getting them done.)

• Pick up toys and put them away
• Dust (An adult sprays a rag with cleaner for them to wipe)
• Put dirty clothes in the laundry
• Set the dinner table
• Put dirty dishes on the kitchen counter or in the sink
• Make the bed

Age 5-7 Chores

Everything a preschooler does, without help, plus…

• Get school papers signed and backpack packed
• Fill water bottle for school
• Help sort and wash laundry
• Put away his own clothes
• Fold towels
• Load the dishwasher or wash dishes by hand
• Wipe down the bathroom counter, sink, and toilet
• Help with plants and the garden
• Help with supper prep
• Feed pets (when we had them)

Age 8-10 Chores

Everything a younger child does, plus…

• Keep up with homework
• Get out snacks
• Put away clean dishes
• Sweep (or vacuum)

How do you assign chores?

A lot of friends ask me how I divide chores between two kids. For the most part, the age difference helps. My older child (9) does the things that the younger one (7) cannot, so the younger one does the others.

Sometimes it depends on who makes the mess, though. My oldest puts clothing in the laundry inside-out and pockets full of things. So sorting laundry is often their responsibility. My younger child is the messiest in the bathroom, so is often tasked with wiping down the bathroom.

For the most part, we just do things as they are needed.

But kids like predictability, so having a fixed list of expectations is often helpful. I’m trying to be more organized so I can stress less, so I made up a fun printable chore chart.

Should kids get paid to do chores?

That’s really up to each family and depends on your personal finances and what exactly the kids are doing.

In our house, the kids are doing chores alongside the adults. They’re learning and watching us. They’re practicing being responsible and contributing to the household.

Since they’re very young and doing basic chores, we don’t pay them. We also don’t punish them for not doing a chore.

When they occasionally do something “extra,” that’s a bit different and does earn them some cash or some other reward.

As they get older and take on more responsibilities, this is definitely a topic we’ll revisit.

I made this printable chore chart in three colors! I had to stop myself from creating a rainbow. Just fill in the lines with the chores appropriate for your child.

Get the printable

Prints on 8.5×11-inch paper. All printables are for personal use only.

What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:

• When Did I Last…? Planner Insert
• Printable Cleaning Routine Checklist
• 10 Ideas to Keep Kids Busy While You Work at Home