Have you been looking to create a chore chart for kids that works?
If so, you are in luck, because today we are talking all about chore charts for kids and how to create your very own.
Creating a chore chart from scratch can feel intimidating at times. In fact, many parents struggle with not only creating a chore chart but also getting kids to engage and participate willingly.
Additionally, there are many things to consider when creating a chore chart for kids. For instance, their age, their cognitive and physical abilities, your family dynamic, among other things.
If you have ever felt overwhelmed or stressed out by the thought of creating your own chore chart, don’t worry mama. After reading through this article you will feel more empowered and have all the tools you need to create a chore chart schedule that your kids will love!
In this article we will discuss:
- Why is creating a chore chart for kids beneficial?
- One of the best chore charts bundles for kids
- 5 steps for creating a chore chart that works!
Why is creating a chore chart for kids beneficial?
Having a written chore schedule is one of the best ways to not only teach your child about responsibilities but also get them excited about doing them.
Chore charts are extremely important in:
- helping kids (and parents) stay organized
- setting expectations
- creating a routine, thus reducing anxiety and uncertainty
- serves as motivation to get things done in a timely manner
- teaches then responsibility
- teaches them how to bo accountable for themselves and their belongings
One of the Best Printable Chore Charts for Kids (Bundle)
When it comes to creating a Chore Chart for kids there are multiple ways you can go about it.
- You can come up with a list of chores and write them down on a piece of paper.
- You can buy a dry erase board and write your list of chores there.
- OR, you can grab this handy Printable Chore Chart Bundle!
When I tell you this Bundle is all you need to implement a chore schedule that your kids will love, I mean it! It takes the guesswork out of what to do and how to do it!
With thisChores Bundle Toolkityou will receivea 10-Page PDFcontaining:
- Step-by-Step Instructions on how to set up Chores System
- Chores and Allowance Ideas Master List
- A Chore Chart (Daily/Weekly Tracker)
- Reward Systems Guide
- 50 Reward Ideas
- “My Reward” Ideas Brainstorm Page
- Chore Bucks Cutouts ($1, $3, $5,$10)
- No-Chores Coupon Cutouts (1-Day, 3-Day, 5-Day)
Trust me when I tell you… this is a lifesaver! Once purchased and downloaded it is yours for life! You can print its pages over and over as you need them, for one child or multiple.
Now, let’s cover in detail how to create your own chore chart system from beginning to end.
5 Steps for Creating a Chore Chart for Kids that Works!
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1. Select a Chore Chart
The first step in creating an efficient chore schedule is deciding which Chore Chart System you will be using.
Make sure whatever chore chart you opt for, it gives you the flexibility to add weekly and daily chores as part of the schedule.
Once you have opted for the perfect chore chart, find a good location to display it. Ideally, you would hang it up in a place where it is visible to everyone. Great areas to display chore charts are common areas such as the kitchen or the family room.
2. Make a list of age-appropriate chores
Once you have decided how and where you want the chores displayed, it is time to assign age-appropriate chores for each child (daily and weekly chores).
Choosing Age-Appropriate Chores
When creating a list of chores it is crucial you assign age-appropriate chores for every child.
Because our children develop different skills with age, assigning them chores they aren’t ready for may cause frustration and irritability.
That is why is it best that you select chores for your child that are not only age-appropriate but that are a good fit for their current developmental stage.
Another thing to consider is that all kids are different and some mature and develop more rapidly than others. For that reason, some children might be able to handle a little more complex tasks despite their age than others.
If you have multiple children, assess their physical and cognitive abilities, and assign them chores that meet those parameters.
Creating a Chore Charts for Multiple Kids
Creating a chore chart for multiple children can be a bit tricky. After all, assigning two children to vacuum on the same day does not sound too efficient.
A great way to create a chore chart for multiple children is to start by writing down their names and age on a blank piece of paper and making a list of age-appropriate chores for each child.
Once all chores are listed, plug each chore in your chore chart by making sure no chores or tasks are repeated on the same day. Unless, of course, you want them to work on a particular chore together.
You can use the same chore chart week after week and make future changes as you see fit.
Additionally, if kids are close in age and they will be doing the same chores, you can also swap chore charts on a weekly basis so that they do different tasks throughout the month.
Other Chore Chart Considerations
Another thing to consider when assigning chores is to analyze your child’s current weekly schedule.
Some children, especially older ones, might have other responsibilities outside of the home, such as extracurricular activities and sports.
Therefore, ensure you work around the days of the week they have other responsibilities to avoid work overload.
In summary
When creating an efficient chore chart, first consider the following:
- their age
- their developmental stage
- the number of children you have and how you can divide responsibilities
- other responsibilities they might have (e.g. sports, extracurricular activities, musical instrument practice, etc.)
3. Create a reward system
Once you have assigned chores for each child it is time to create a Chores Reward System.
Having a system in place that allows you to reward your children for a job well done will motivate them and encourage them to complete their tasks.
However, not all Chore Rewards systems are created equal. In fact, some experts say that systems such as allowances might even be counterproductive to teaching them about chores to begin with!
For instance, basic chores such as doing their bed, taking their dirty dishes to the sink, and folding their own laundry are part of their personal responsibility of being a part of a family unit.
Great Chore Reward Systems are those that allow children to learn about contributing to their household and personal responsibilities, while at the same time being given the choice to earn an “income”.
Two great ways to achieve this are by using Rewards and/or “Work for Hire” (more about these systems next!).
Here are a few common reward options:
No Rewards
Some parents opt for a “no-reward” strategy, as they feel that it is a child’s duty to contribute to their family nucleus without receiving any rewards in return.
It is ultimately up to you to decide what reward structure works best for your family dynamic if any.
However, if you are looking to implement some sort of chore reward to your chore chart system, read on for some great options.
Allowances
Allowance is a set amount of money parents give their children on a recurrent basis (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly).
Some parents use allowances independent from chores. They give their children a set amount of money a week simply to allow them to have their own money. Other parents use allowances as “payment” for their kid’s chores.
Either way, some experts agree that allowances, despite their use aren’t effective. In fact, they might even be counterproductive in teaching kids about earning money, saving money, and its value.
Better alternatives than allowances for completing chores is Weekly and Monthly Rewards and “Work for Hire” payments.
Weekly and Monthly Chore Rewards
Chore Rewards allow parents to offer positive reinforcement for kids who successfully complete their chores. They are typically granted as either weekly rewards, bi-weekly rewards, or monthly rewards.
Most often, Chore Rewards typically consists of small toys, treats, books, and outings instead of monetary compensation.
Although it is totally up to you if you would like to include monetary compensation as part of your Chore Reward System.
Another great idea for Chore Rewards is to create a “Chore Store”. It simply consists of a bin or box full of inexpensive items from the Dollar Store or Amazon. Then, at the end of every week, the child that has successfully completed their chores gets to pick a price from the “Chore Store”.
“Chore Store” items can vary depending on the age of your child, but popular ones include:
- pencils
- erasers
- stickers
- plush toys
- glow sticks
- slap bracelets
- kids books
“Work for Hire”— Chore Bucks!
This method is my FAVORITE Chore Rewards System.
The “Work for Hir” Chores System allows kids to earn money on extra chores that have been deemed as “compensatory.”
The benefit of the “Work for Hire” System is that they aren’t receiving compensation for things that they should be doing as their contribution to the family nucleus. Instead, they get compensated for extra chores parents need help with around the house.
Examples of “Work for Hire” Chores and their rewards include:
- Clean mirrors $1
- Wipe tables $1
- Wipe counters $1
- Clean windows $1
- Vacuum $3
- Pull weeds $3
- Rake leaves $3
- Mop $3
- Clean showers and bathtubs $3
- Pull weeds $5
- Clean Toilets $5
- Mow the lawn $10
- Wash car $10
A great system is to useChore Bucks—included in theChores Toolkit Bundle—and creating a ”Work for Hire” board which would be placed next to their Chore Charts.
All you have do is write the name of each task you want to assign to a dollar value and hang the chore bucks next to your kid’s chore chart.
If they want to earn money:
- They pick the chore buck with the dollar value they want to earn
- Then, they complete the task and show an adult the completed task
- Once completed, they can pace their chore bucks in their “Earnings Jar”
- Cash in the Chore Bucks for real money (once a week, bi-weekly, or once a month)
Greenlight Debit Card for Kids
The Greenlight Debit Card for Kids is a popular option in the parenting community, and it is easy to see why.
This resource is a lifesaver as a chore reward and/or allowance account, especially for older kids who are learning about the value and management of earned money.
Some of its great benefits include:
- Chore Management (you can create an in-app chore lists and tie their chores to payments).
- Automatic Transfer to their accounts.
- Money Management (they can divide their earnings by Save, Invest, Give, and Spend accounts).
- Instant Transfer (send money instantly to your kids’ accounts anytime, anywhere).
- Real-time Notifications (get an alert any time the card is used or declined).
- Store Control (Greenlight is the only debit card that allows you select each store where kids are allowed to spend. If they try to spend where they shouldn’t, you will receive an alert immediately).
- Educational App for Kids (for kids that have smart devices, they can track balances, work on their chore lists and more).
- Total Parental Control (turn card on and off at anytime from your phone app).
- Saving While Spending (kids can round up purchases to the next dollar and automatically add the change to their savings).
- … and many more!
If you want to simplify your life while teaching your kids about money management and money value, I totally recommend you take a look at the Greenlight Debit Card for Kids!
4. Set expectations and model instructions
Once your chore chart is ready and your reward system is in place, it is time for a “chore meeting.”
Use that time to discuss the chore chart, expectations, and rewards.
Allow them to ask questions and ask them questions as well.
In addition to expectations and rewards, teach them how to perform the chores assigned to them by demonstrating them a few times.
Don’t just assume your children know how to do something because they have “done it before”.
This is especially true for younger children.
By doing it together the first time they will not only learn the correct way of doing chores, but it will motivate them to do them even more.
So, remember:
- Show them how to do the chores on their list correctly
- Help them do it a few times if they need help.
- Allow them to do them on their own.
5. Allow for questions and discussions
Once it is all set and done and your Chore Chart is ready to make its debut, allow for questions and suggestions.
The more questions that are addressed ahead of time, the less confusion for later.
Kids are great innovators, so ask them for their opinion and ideas and they will not disappoint!
Once everyone is on board with the new Chore Chart Schedule, it’s GO TIME!
★ Related Articles:
- 50 Family House Rules for Kids and Teens
- The Best Reading Journal for Kids (Printable Download)
- How to Make a School Memory Binder
You did it, mama!
Now, you finally have a chore chart system that kids will be excited to participate in while teaching them responsibility and accountability.
To recap, here are the 5 easy steps for creating a chore chart your kids will love:
- Select a Chore Chart
- Make a list of age-appropriate chores
- Create a reward system (remember to look into Greenlight!)
- Set expectations and model instructions
- Allow for questions and instructions
Remember, that chore charts, just like parenting, are a journey, not a destination.
Children will grow, chores will change, Chore Bucks might increase in value… But one thing remains true—what you teach them now, will become what they are later!
So, use your Chore Chart as an opportunity to teach them how to be self-efficient, to be responsible for themselves and their belongings. Teach them how to contribute to their own well-being, but also how to contribute to other’s well-being. Teach them the value of money and how it is earned with hard work.
Some day… You’ll be glad you did!
Do you have a Chore Chart System? Did you find this one helpful? Share in the comments below…
Oh, and don’t forget to pin for later!
