Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (2024)

Chore charts are a helpful tool forfamilies to introduce or track household 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," saysHelen Egger, MD, a psychiatrist and the co-founder, chief medical officer, and chief scientific officer of Little Otter, an online therapy platform. Doing chores builds kids' time management and organizational skills, boosts self-esteem, and encourages independence.

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. We also had a clinical psychologist from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, why chores are beneficial to children, and how to make them fun.

Based on our reviews, these are the best chore charts on the market today.

Best Overall

CHART TO FINISH Kids Reward Chart

Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (1)

Pros

  • 48 hand-illustrated chore magnets

  • Versatile

  • Magnetic backing or hanging rope

Cons

  • Magnets may fall off easily

  • Designed for one child only

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.

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Best Magnetic

Learning Resources Custom Magnetic Chore Chart

Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (2)

Pros

  • 91 pieces included

  • Storage for tiles

  • Customizable

Cons

  • Designed for one child

  • Magnet storage lacks organization

This well thought out magnetic responsibility chart helps kids visually understand their tasks and goals. The 91-piece set has magnetic tiles for daily chores, accomplishments, and good behavior. Blank tiles allow parents to customize the chart to their family.

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.

Pros

  • 108 magnetic task cards

  • Can be used for two children

Cons

  • May not easily stick to certain surfaces

Families with two kids will enjoy this two-in-one chart that allows parents to set separate goals and rewards for both kids, all in one place. With space for seven tasks per child, the set includes 108 magnetic task cards (with multiples) plus 12 blank task cards to customize for your family.

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.

Best for Three Kids

Circle and Square Decor 3 Kid Dry Erase Chore Chart

Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (4)

Pros

  • Customizable

  • Dry erase board (but looks like a chalkboard)

  • Can fit multiple children

Cons

  • Large

For larger families, this dry-erase option has distinct spots to add chores for up to three kids, making divvying up chores easier. While it looks like a chalkboard, this is actually a styled dry erase board, so parents can write dust-free. And it's customizable; simply add each kid’s name.

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.

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Pros

  • Set contains 50 sticks (8 are blank for customization)

  • Easy to use

Cons

  • No way to track daily chores

  • Some chores may not fit into family's lifestyle

If chore charts don’t work for your family or you’re looking for a fun alternative, these chore sticks may fit the bill. The set contains 50 sticks; 42 have pre-printed chores on them and eight are blank for each family to customize. Kids simply pull a chore stick out of the container and get to work.

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.

Best Budget

Juvale 6-Pack Chore Chart for Kids

Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (6)

Pros

  • Budget-friendly

  • Reusable

  • Designated spots for goals and rewards

Cons

  • Basic set does not include markers

  • May not adhere easily to certain surfaces

Try this economical six-pack of dry erase chore charts if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or just want to dip your toe into the world of chore charts. The reusable self-adhesive chart has a sticky backing, so it can be hung in a prominent spot in your house. If you have multiple kids, the six-pack provides a chart for every member of your household.

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.

Best Chalkboard

Circle and Square Decor Personalized Chore Chart for Kids

Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (7)

Pros

  • Customizable

  • No chalk needed (design is dry erase)

Cons

  • Designed for one child

Actual chalkboard chore charts, plumes of chalk dust, and screechy chalk sounds are a thing of the past. This framed option looks just like a chalkboard but with all the benefits of a whiteboard. Totally customizable, the chart can include your child’s first, last, or nickname.

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.

Best for Young Kids

Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart

Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (8)

Pros

  • 89 magnets to choose from

  • Two charts included

Cons

  • Some charts may begin to warp quickly

Recommended for children ages 3 and up, this responsibility chart is more than just your average chore chart. With two fabric-hinged dry-erase boards, children will love the 89 magnets they can pick from for chores, like cleaning their room and putting toys away.

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.

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Final Verdict

If you're looking for a chore chart that you can hold on to as your child grows up, the Chart to Finish Kids Reward Chart (view on Amazon) is perfect for little ones up through the big kid stage. For a more customizable option, the Etsy 3 Kid Dry Erase Chore Chart (view on Etsy) allows you to add notes and your kid's names.

What to Look for in Chore Charts for Kids

Age-Appropriateness

A chore chart designed for tiny tots might not be as appealing and encouraging for older kiddos. Choosing an option that looks and feels age-appropriate for your kids will encourage them to actually want to do their chores. Dr. Egger says doing chores is a skill that takes time to develop.

"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."

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the benefits of giving kids chores?

    While you may be inclined to let your kids "just be kids" instead of giving them tasks at home, having your children complete household chores can actually go far towards helping them develop valuable skills. According to psychiatrist Helen Egger, chores can build important life skills such as taking responsibility, seeing things through, time management, organization and the ability to complete tasks independently. What's more, one Harvard study found that adults who did chores as kids fared better later in life.

  • How do you know if a chore is age-appropriate?

    Giving your kiddo age-appropriate chores is critical—if they don't understand how to do something or feel like they can't do it on their own, they can get frustrated, overwhelmed or discouraged. To determine if chores are age-appropriate, they should correspond to the activities your child is already doing on their own on a daily basis. For example, your preschooler is taking out toys to play with, so an appropriate chore would be putting those same toys away. School-age children put their coats and backpacks on to go to school, so they could return those to the closet when they get home.

  • How do you make a chore chart fun?

    There are a few ways you can make a chore chart fun. An alternative to a traditional chart, such as the chore sticks above, can make things more interesting for kids. You could include a few "non-chore chores," such as "read a book with mom" or "play a game with dad" so that the chart doesn't feel purely like work and includes some play as well. Or if you're using a chore chart for older kiddos, one of whom is a budding artist, you could let them design a fun chart themselves.

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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

Here Are the Best Chore Charts to Keep Your Kids on Track (2024)
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