Chore Chart Printable Roundup

Whether it’s for an allowance, to earn rewards or just simply to teach them that a fairy doesn’t come in to the house while they sleep peacefully, and clean up the house – it’s important to get kids involved in housework to teach them the responsibility of caring for themselves and their space.

I have changed my methods a few times (depending on their age or maturity level) so I don’t like to invest in any of the expensive chore chart boards you can find at the store. And I am always looking for the next best thing when it comes to organizing anything (coupons, schedules, kids etc), so I like to take advantage of all of the free printables on the the internet. Here are 6 of my favorites:

Toddler Chore Chart

I love this chore chart for toddlers because it uses pictures instead of words. I do remember the first chore chart I tried – carefully made by me – and my daughter cleverly said, “but Mom, we can’t read.” Problem solved! You could laminate these and keep them on the fridge so the kids can’t miss them.

Customizable Chore Chart

This chore chart I love because you can fill the chores in yourself and each child can have their own. You could laminate these and reuse them each week or simply print out a new one.

Knock Off Chore Charts

These chore charts are my current favorite because they are just aesthetically-pleasing. I love that she tweaked the chore chart from Knock Knock (I love their products – adorable, often entertaining and always useful), so you could personalize it.

After School Chores

I love the idea of breaking chores down into morning & afternoon, or before & after school – it’s never a good idea to rattle off a long list of chores to kids because they stop listening after the 2nd item. These chore charts are great for after school when the kids usually seem to be a little wired anyways, Ali used magnetic frames and placed them on the fridge, but you could also laminate them and stick a magnet on the back.

Morning Routine Flash Cards

These routine flash cards are great to pair with a chore chart – especially if you are like me and you have a couple of kids who are a little less than enthusiastic in the morning. Pick a central spot for these as a gentle reminder of what they need to do themselves in the morning and then when they are a little more awake you can mark them off on whatever chore chart system you’ve decided to use.

Morning and Bedtime Routine Chart

Over at IHeartOrganizing, Jen has adorable free printable routine charts with pictures AND words of what needs to be done. These can be laminated as well and placed on the fridge or the bathroom mirror with a magnet or a suction cup hook.

There are endless possibilities out there when it comes to chore charts, but it’s best to take into account the age of your children before you set your expectations a little too high and end up sounding like Mommy Dearest. Start small and follow through – depending on the age and whether or not they have ever had to do chores before, you will need to guide them through it in the beginning. And most importantly, if you decide to use a reward system, you better follow through! I used to always tell my dad, “a deals a deal, good or bad,” and I have heard a version of that same sentiment uttered to me by a determined child enough times to know they mean business.

Share your experiences with kids and chores below!