01What you need
- A sheet of paper or poster boardHave
- Markers and a rulerHave
- Stickers or a pen for checkmarksHave / $3
- Tape or a fridge magnetHave
Where: Make it at the table, then hang it on the fridge or by the door where everyone walks past it.
Before you start
- Strong cleaners stay with you. AAP says to store strong cleaners high, locked and out of sight. Younger kids clean with water and a cloth.
- Mowing has real age lines. AAP says 12 for a walk-behind power mower, 16 for a riding mower, and no kid passengers on riding mowers.
- Knives, the stove and ladders stay "with Dad" jobs until you've taught them and watched them do it.
02Steps
List what the house needs
DadBefore you sit down, list the jobs that happen every week: dishes, trash, laundry, pets, setting the table, floors, the yard. Circle the ones a kid could own. The field note on chores by age has a starting list.
Let them pick first
TogetherShow the list. Say, "Everybody who lives here helps run the house. Pick two from this list." They choose first; you assign whatever's left. Two or three jobs per kid is plenty to start, and AAP suggests adding one new task at a time.
Write what done looks like
Together"Set the table" means plates, forks, cups and napkins at every seat. "Feed the dog" means one scoop and fresh water. Write the done version beside each job in a few words, so there's nothing to argue about later.
Make the chart together
KidJobs down the side, days across the top. Let the kids rule the lines, decorate it and pick the stickers. Hang it where everyone walks past. A check or a sticker goes on when a job is done.
Point to the chart, then stop talking
DadWhen a job isn't done, skip the lecture and say it once: "Check the chart." AAP says badgering or scolding isn't an effective way to build responsibility. When it is done, say exactly what you saw: "You fed the dog without me asking."
Ten minutes every Sunday
TogetherSame time every week. Three questions: "What went well? What was hard? Anything you want to swap?" Trade jobs, add one when a kid is ready, and settle any allowance or consequences here, ahead of time, not in the middle of a fight.
03If it stalls
- If the chart is ignored by Wednesday, it's too long. Cut it to one job per kid and build back up.
- If they ask "What do I get?", decide your answer before the first review: allowance, stickers, or "it's part of living here." Then keep it the same for a month.
- If two kids fight over the easy job, rotate weekly and write the rotation on the chart.
- If you're the one who forgets, put the Sunday review in your phone. The review is what keeps the chart alive.
04Variations
Ages 5–7
A picture chart with two jobs each, like making the bed and setting the table. Stickers, not checkmarks.
Ages 8–11
Three jobs, including one for the whole family, like vacuuming the living room or putting away groceries.
Ages 12–14
They write their own chart and own a bigger job: cleaning the kitchen after dinner, or mowing with a walk-behind mower once you've taught them.
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05Sources
- Chores by age and how to assign them. AAP gives age lists for chores (ages 5–7, 8–10 and 11–12), advises spelling out tasks, introducing one new task at a time, using a chore chart or checklist, honest praise, regular family meetings to review progress, and consequences; it says badgering or scolding is not an effective method to build responsibility. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) Checked Oct 15, 2026
- Chores for teens. AAP suggests teen chores such as vacuuming shared areas, washing the car, mowing and weeding, cleaning the kitchen after meals, pet care and helping with younger siblings, and says busy schedules and part-time jobs aren't reasons to stop helping at home. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) Checked Oct 15, 2026
- Lawn mower ages. AAP says children should be at least 12 to operate a walk-behind power mower and 16 to operate a riding mower, and should not ride as passengers on riding mowers or garden tractors. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) Checked Oct 15, 2026
- Storing cleaners. AAP advises storing strong cleaners, lye, furniture polish and dishwasher soap high, locked and out of sight. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) Checked Oct 15, 2026
Filed under: Chores
