When choosing a chore chart, it’s important to find an option that suits your child’s developmental stage and, ideally, can grow with them. Effective chore charts are visually engaging and provide ways to showcase rewards and positive feedback. Families with multiple children might also consider a single chore chart that all of their kids can use. To find the best chore charts, we spoke to a child psychiatrist and considered each chart for age appropriateness, longevity, family size, and clarity of expectations. Based on our reviews, these are the best chore charts on the market today. The Chart to Finish Kids Reward Chart is our top pick because of its versatility and longevity. We love how this chart can be used in a variety of ways with both younger and older kids. The chart comes with 48 hand-illustrated chore magnets that include both duties and behaviors. Illustrations are easier for younger kids and as they get older, your kids can use the dry erase marker to write in other age-appropriate chores. The bright star magnets provide positive motivation in a visual manner. If that’s too childish, the dry erase marker can be used for check marks to signify the completion of each task. Special spots for goals and rewards make it simple for kids to follow along. The chore chart has a magnetic back, so it can cling to a refrigerator, but it also comes with a rope for easy wall hanging. Any materials you’re not using can be tucked away in the included storage bag. Price at time of publish: $25 Parents will love the attached storage bin that holds all the tiles and kids will love the “you’ve earned it” reward box that’s big enough to hold small toys and treats for motivation. Reviewers appreciate that this chart is very sturdy and easy enough for kids to put on their own magnets after completing their chores. Price at time of publish: $25 A dry-erase marker and two storage bags round out the set, making it easy to keep each kid’s chores and rewards separately. Parent reviewers love that this chart can be used for two kids with different abilities, so it’s perfect for siblings. Price at time of publish: $35 There is room for seven chores per child and a separate area for notes for each child. Sticking with the custom theme, this chart can be made from a magnetic material, has a choice of wood color frames, or can be purchased without the frame. Price at time of publish: $54 Just like life, this tin of chores isn’t all work and no play. There are some fun chores mixed in. like “dance to a song” or “10 minutes of free time.” While there’s no way to track daily chores, this innovative delivery system may be fun enough for kids to keep it up and complete some chores every day. Price at time of publish: $20 These can also be used in different rooms, so kids can easily see bedroom chores versus kitchen chores. The basic set doesn’t include markers, but will work with any dry erase marker, and has a spot on each chart for a goal and reward. Price at time of publish: $11 Above the task list can be the word “chores,” “tasks,” or anything else that makes sense for your family. Buyers can also customize this choice to make the chart magnetic and choose from a wide variety of frame colors. Included are two white chalk pens, with the option to purchase more, to complete the chalkboard style. Price at time of publish: $60 Parents and caregivers will appreciate the additional responsibilities for children to fulfill, such as showing respect. You can also track goals and store magnets in the empty spaces provided. Price at time of publish: $28 “Like any skill, it requires learning and practice. This is why it is important to choose chores that are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage. It is also why parents should help their children do chores if they are beginning to learn how to complete the tasks,” Dr. Egger explains. “Parents can also teach children ways to have fun while doing chores that take more time with songs or games. Make sure you give positive feedback when children complete their tasks. Notice and give your child affirmation when they do chores without being asked!” In addition to learning and practice, be sure that young children are given small tasks that are manageable, Dr. Egger recommends. “You can remind your child that a chore needs to be done and do the chore side-by-side with your child as they learn,” she says. “Most young children love to help!”
Longevity
Charts made of high-quality materials will last longer and won’t need to be replaced each year. Whether you go for a wood-framed chore chart or a whiteboard, choose a chart that won’t fall apart. This ensures you’re able to reuse it for the years to come, saving you money in the long run. Dr. Egger says starting chores as early as 2 and 3 years old can be beneficial, especially when you’re aware of your child’s developmental stage. “Young children might help to put toys away, 4- and 5-year-olds can help clear the table after meals, 6- and 7-year-olds can help to feed pets and set the table, 7- to 9-year-olds can load and unload the dishwasher, 10- to 11-year-olds can do laundry and change linens, and kids 12 and older can do additional cleaning in the house and outside with teens able to help with errands when they can drive or use public transportation,” Dr. Egger says. “Also remember we are our children’s role models!,” she says. “We need to be consistent and cheerful in doing the tasks of daily life to model to our children how we want them to do their chores.”
Family Size
Some chore charts are designed to only accommodate a single child while others have enough space for three children. Choose a chore chart that can fit all of your family’s little helpers.
Clarity of Expectations
No matter your family size, Dr. Egger says setting a clear routine and being consistent is important. “Chore charts are a great way to set expectations, establish routines, monitor progress, and give your children positive feedback for completing their chores. We help children learn to do chores when we set clear routines and are consistent in our expectations. Chore charts help both parents and children to be clear about these expectations,” she explains. “It is important to associate positive emotions and success with doing chores. Linking rewards to chore completion in a chore chart also reinforces the child’s completion of chores and links positive outcomes with doing these expected tasks. Children can get stars when they complete their chores and these stars can be linked to rewards to celebrate the child’s success,” says Dr. Egger. If you notice your child still having difficulties with doing chores, it’s okay to reach out for help, Dr. Egger says. “Some kids are going to have difficulties with doing chores. If chores are leading to a lot of conflict between you and your child and within your family, seek guidance from a parenting specialist or consider a mental health evaluation to understand if there are emotional, behavioral, or developmental factors that are contributing to these challenges.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. Although her family has never used chore charts, it may be time to change that! Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey
