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The Best Chore Chart of All Time for Kids

The Best Chore Chart of All Time for Kids

two girls washing dishes at a kitchen sink

I know, that’s a big claim. But I can’t tell you how many chore methods I’ve gone through trying to find the perfect way to keep track of my kids’ chores AND keep them motivated, and now I think I’ve done it! Of course something this good I can’t keep to myself, and included all the details to share with you. We’ve even got a free printable for you at the bottom of this post!

Finding the perfect chore chart for kids doesn’t usually result in a one-size-fits-all solution, but this one will either do the trick or come as close as it gets! It’s super customizable for all ages, ability levels, and job types, something I just wasn’t turning up in my searches. Huge thanks go to my awesome sister for introducing me to it.

The Perfect Chore Chart for Kids of Any Age & Ability

How it Works

This is a blank two week chart on a simple spreadsheet that I print out. All you need is paper and a pencil. There are no magnets, hole punches, or clothespins involved – it’s not cute, it’s efficient. If you need cute I suggest you buy some stickers or washi tape for it, or add personal drawings from you at the bottom.

I love this chart in particular because it incorporates three things: chores or tasks, grades, and allowance.

Chores at my house are something everyone is expected to do because we live here together. You don’t earn allowance for chores. However, my kids can earn allowance for grades, because that is the priority for us at this time. (Note: you can reverse that on this chart if that works better for your family. It’s versatile like that!)

chore chart
A sample completed chart for reference. Don’t judge.
CHORES

There are nine spaces to fill in whatever chores, tasks, or behaviors you want for each child. Ours are known to change a bit in the summer, or at certain times of year when we need it to. If you need to change your chore list, just adjust your spreadsheet before printing. Easy-peasy! Of course, you don’t have to fill in all nine spaces.

We do a checkmark for completed chores and an X for incomplete chores. Every night I check chore status after the boys are in bed. At the end of the two weeks time I circle all the X’s (incomplete chores) and total them up in the far right column. If a chore is not done by them, that usually means Mom or Dad had to do it, and we charge premium rates – .50¢ for every chore left undone, and that comes off their allowance total.

GRADES

Their grades at the end of each two weeks time are what set the allowance amount. My kids’ grades are easily accessible online, so I just pop over and check before allowance day to start adding up their tally. I’ve found this motivates kids to study a bit harder, because they know in just a week or so it can really affect their allowance.

ALLOWANCE

Before this chore chart, a point I was having a hard time getting across to my kids is that in this society, better grades equals better pay. But that motivation might not be the message your kids need to receive, and that could change for my own kids down the line. If so, all you need to do is tweak the dollar amounts for grades to what works best for you.

At the moment, the maximum my kids can make every two weeks if they make straight A’s and do ALL nine of their chores every day is $20. They get $5 for an A, $4 for a B, and $1 for a C. To me, in this moment, that’s a dadgum bargain. For you, that might be setting the bar too low or too high. Just make this chart your own is my point, and feel free to change the stakes at any time – you’re the parent. Keep in mind the allowance amount is for every TWO WEEKS.

Calculating the Chore Chart

So you’ve set your chore list and recorded all the done and incomplete chores for two weeks. Now, how do you calculate your kid’s allowance?

First you have to determine the allowance using the grades. Add up the dollar amount and record it in the top right corner of each child’s chart.

Then, make your allowance deductions by seeing how many Xs are on each child’s chart. Carry them over in the right hand column. This is an important visual for your child. Deduct the incomplete chores from your allowance totals and that’s the allowance for that two week period.

chore chart
Do this part with your child for maximum effect.
The Moment(s) of Truth

On allowance day, there is a fantastic opportunity for teaching a lasting lesson, but it takes a little pre-planning. Have single dollar bills and a few quarters ready to illustrate said lesson:

  • Tally your chore chart with your child.
  • Pay them in singles how much they have earned with their grades.
  • Count the incomplete chores with your child.
  • Have THEM pay YOU what they owe for incomplete chores.
  • Watch the realization dawn on their sweet faces that mama’s labor don’t come cheap.

You’ll only have to do this a couple of times for the message to be received in most cases.

No Nagging!

The other thing I love about this chart is it has drastically cut down my nagging after the first few two week cycles. If the chore isn’t done by the pre-designated check time, it gets an X. I do it after my kids are in bed, so they know if their list isn’t checked off before bedtime they get an incomplete, and they’ve had all day to get it done – plenty of time.

On Allowance Day all those X’s add up, so it’s just easier to get it done before bed. No nagging needed! My expectations are super clear and easy to remember. Granted, my kids had to learn this the hard way and yours probably will too.

Download Your own Chart

PRINT a blank customizable Chore Chart here (GoogleDoc).
Let us know how it works for your family and any useful hacks you find!

This article was originally published in May 2017 but has been updated with current information. 

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