I decided to establish a set list of chores my son was responsible for and had a general idea of what to do. Yet, I was challenged on how to format the chart to be easy to follow and not easily forgotten. The goal of course, is to have a consistent list for him to contribute to the household tasks and not have me nagging at him. I’m also not the best at craft skills, so this project had to be easy to put together. Thus fulfilling the quick and easy chore chart criteria.

Establishing regular chores for your child isn’t self serving; so don’t feel guilty about having them lend a hand. Chores enable your child a way to give back and see themselves also as contributors to the family. Holding them responsible helps them feel more responsible and ultimately become more capable in life in general. You’re giving them a learning opportunity to be functionally independent.

Be consistent with the timing and requirement of the chores to establish a tone of cooperation throughout the house. After my son started his regular chores, he now asks to contribute in other ways. He frequently does little pick up tasks without prompting and he is more acutely aware of the work that is required to keep things up. I’m not saying he’s 100% and there’s never a pair of dirty socks left in the living room floor, but I can attest my constant follow and pick-up after routine has declined dramatically.

What Chores To Assign

You do want to ensure the chores you set are age appropriate. Common sense things of not asking your 3 year old to scrub toilets should be in play here. Beyond what you think is appropriate get input directly from your child. What tasks do they feel they can commit to either daily or weekly to help around the house.

Consider things perhaps you child hasn’t yet learned and add that to the list. Use the chore list as yet another way to continually develop their life skills. You’ll need to evaluate the chores and update the list periodically as they get older.

What About Payment For Chores?

Consider whether you want to use allowance as an incentive for the chores. My son does not get allowance for his regular chores. They are simply his part of way to contribute. I do tie additional chores that he may choose to pick up or identify himself to small allowances. There isn’t a positive or negative to either option. Parent’s choice!

Whether you tie a monetary incentive to the chore or not, don’t forget the verbal praise. Encourage throughout the chore process, not necessarily only when the job is done. And don’t expect perfection. These littles are learning the ways, not our maids. If the job is completely unsatisfactory, perhaps a teaching opportunity has shown itself or they simply aren’t that into it and have to redo and learn a little life lessons about work before play.

My Chore Chart Example

I opted for bright colors for my chart as his personality is in line with that.

Supplies:

• Clipboard
• Box of tiny binder clips
• Piece of printing paper

Directions:

1. Make your own chart or edit my template to your child’s specific chores
2. Print the chart
3. Use clipboard to attach paper
4. Use binder clips on each item to designate if done/not done.
5. Place chart somewhere of high kiddo traffic

I hung his on the wall above his shoes in his room. Used a Command Brand wall hook to avoid extra holes in the wall. We reset the board every Sunday evening.

And there you have it! A quick, simple, and effective chore chart that can be adjusted to any child’s age or chores.

If you’d like the template please click here!