Free Printable Chore Chart for Kids
Make chores fun with this colorful, kid-friendly chore chart. Instead of plain checkboxes, kids earn stars for completing each task. Eight age-appropriate chores cover the school week from Monday through Friday, keeping the routine simple and manageable.
A Chore Chart Kids Actually Want to Use
Getting kids to do chores is not about force — it is about framing. When a chore chart looks fun and feels like an achievement system rather than a punishment list, children are far more likely to engage with it. This printable chore chart uses a colorful design with star ratings instead of plain checkboxes because coloring in a star feels like earning a reward, not completing a duty.
The chart covers Monday through Friday, aligning with the school week when daily routines matter most. Weekends are left open intentionally, giving kids a break and allowing families to enjoy unstructured time together. The eight chores listed are deliberately simple and appropriate for children ages 4 through 10, though you can adapt the list to fit your child's abilities.
How to Use the Star Rating System
Each time your child completes a chore, they color in the empty star for that day. At the end of the week, count the colored stars together. You can set milestones — for example, 30 out of 40 stars earns a special activity or small reward. The visual progress of filling in stars throughout the week gives children a tangible sense of accomplishment that plain checkmarks simply do not provide.
Adapting Chores for Different Ages
- Ages 3-4: Focus on pick up toys, put clothes away, and brush teeth. You may need to do these tasks alongside your child at first.
- Ages 5-6: Add make the bed, set the table, and feed a pet. These tasks build independence and routine.
- Ages 7-8: Include help with dishes, reading time, and light tidying. Children at this age can handle multi-step tasks.
- Ages 9-10: Consider upgrading to the full weekly chore chart with seven days and more advanced tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should kids start doing chores?
Children can start with simple chores as early as age 2 or 3. Toddlers can pick up toys, put dirty clothes in a hamper, and help wipe up spills with guidance. By age 4 or 5, most kids can make their bed, set the table, and help feed pets independently. The key is matching the task to your child's developmental ability so they can succeed and build confidence over time.
How do you make chores fun for kids?
Use a colorful chart with stars or stickers instead of plain checkboxes — like this one. Play upbeat music during chore time, set a timer and make it a race, let kids choose some of their own chores from a list, and celebrate completed charts with a small reward like choosing a family movie or a trip to the park. The star rating system on this chart turns chore completion into a visual game that kids enjoy.
Why does this chart only cover Monday through Friday?
This kids' chore chart covers the school week (Monday through Friday) because weekday routines are where consistency matters most for building habits. Weekends can be less structured, allowing kids downtime and family activities without the pressure of a chart. If you prefer a full seven-day chart, check out our standard chore chart which covers Monday through Sunday.