Getting your kids to follow routines and do their chores is always a challenge. But fear not! In this post, we will show you how to create routine and behavior charts for your kids that will help them stay on track and make your life a whole lot easier.

I’ve posted before about getting kids to do their chores, like in my How to Make a Magnetic DIY Chore Chart and 5 Ways to get Kids to do Their Chores Every Day, but nothing ever really sticks

Table of Contents

• Why Routine and Behavior Charts are Important for Kids
• Creating Routine Charts
• Creating Behavior Charts
• Customize the Charts
• Benefits of Using Behavior and Routine Charts for Kids
• Incentives and Rewards
  • Free Printable Routine and Behavior Chart Templates:

Why Chore, Routine and Behavior Charts are Important for Kids

Summer just started and you’re probably wondering how to keep your kids occupied and productive during their free time. Routines and behavior charts can be a game changer! Not only do they help children understand what is expected of them, but they also teach them responsibility, accountability, and time management skills.

Behavior and routine charts help kids understand what is expected of them each day. They provide a visual reminder of the tasks they need to complete and help them stay motivated to do them. Behavior charts can also be a great way to reinforce positive behavior and discourage negative behavior.

I made these behavior and routine charts to help them visually see what I expected of them each day. I haven’t made a behavior chart for my 2-year-old yet, but she’s learning to look at the icons of the routines and follows along with the boys.

Each day they wake up they look at their routine chart, which I’ve taped up to the end of their bunk bed. They never ask me what they have to do, and they know if they want screen time later they have to do productive activities first.

Free Printable Family Chore Charts to Help Kids Get Organized

Getting kids to do chores without a battle can feel impossible. One minute, they’re all about helping, and the next, they’ve mysteriously vanished when it’s time to clean up. If you’re tired of reminding (or nagging) them to do their daily tasks, a chore chart can be a total game-changer.

A printable chore chart helps kids see exactly what they need to do, making chores feel more like a structured game instead of a random demand from mom. Plus, when they check things off, they feel accomplished—which means fewer arguments and more consistency.

This weekly printable chore chart is designed to help kids stay on track with their responsibilities in a simple, visual way. The left side lists chores, while the right side has checklist boxes for each day of the week (Sunday-Saturday).

Here’s how to use it:

• 1️⃣ Write down assigned chores in the left column. Keep it simple and age-appropriate!
• 2️⃣ Let kids check off tasks each day as they complete them—use a pen, stickers, or even a dry-erase marker if laminated.
• 3️⃣ Review progress together at the end of the week to celebrate wins and adjust tasks as needed.

This chart makes chores clear, consistent, and rewarding, turning daily tasks into an easy routine.

List of Chore Ideas for Kids (By Age & Skill Level!)

Here’s a comprehensive list of chore ideas broken down by age so you can assign tasks that make sense for your child’s abilities. Plus, if you’re using a chore chart, these ideas will give you plenty of tasks to rotate throughout the week!

🧸 Chores for Ages 2-4 (Toddlers & Preschoolers)

At this age, kids are naturally curious and love to “help”—even if their “help” isn’t always that helpful. 😉 The key is keeping chores simple and fun, so they feel involved without getting frustrated.

• ✅ Put toys in bins
• ✅ Place books on a shelf
• ✅ Throw trash in the garbage can
• ✅ Wipe up small spills
• ✅ Help feed pets (pouring food into bowls)
• ✅ Match socks while folding laundry
• ✅ Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket
• ✅ Hand you items when setting the table
• ✅ Push in chairs after meals

💡 Tip: Make it a game! “Can you put all the red toys away first?” or “Let’s see how fast we can pick up your books!”

🏡 Chores for Ages 5-7 (Young Kids & Kindergarteners)

This is when kids can start following simple routines and taking more responsibility. They might still need reminders, but they’ll feel so proud when they get to check off their chores!

• ✅ Make their bed (not perfect, just done!)
• ✅ Put away clean clothes
• ✅ Set the table (or at least put napkins and silverware out)
• ✅ Clear their plate after meals
• ✅ Wipe down counters or tables
• ✅ Water plants
• ✅ Sweep small areas with a handheld broom
• ✅ Help unload the dishwasher (silverware & plastic dishes)
• ✅ Feed pets & refill water bowls
• ✅ Bring in mail or small packages

💡  Tip: Use stickers or a reward chart to make chores exciting at this age!

🧹 Chores for Ages 8-10 (Elementary School Kids)

Now we’re talking! At this age, kids can handle more detailed tasks and follow multi-step instructions. They might need supervision at first, but before you know it, they’ll be handling chores like a pro.

• ✅ Fold and put away laundry
• ✅ Load and unload the dishwasher
• ✅ Vacuum or sweep small areas
• ✅ Wipe down sinks & bathroom counters
• ✅ Take out the trash & recycling
• ✅ Make simple meals (sandwiches, cereal, scrambled eggs)
• ✅ Help pack their school lunch
• ✅ Wash fruits and veggies
• ✅ Organize their room (not just shoving everything under the bed!)
• ✅ Help with younger siblings (reading to them, keeping them entertained)

💡 Pro Tip: Introduce chore rotation so they don’t get stuck doing the same thing every day!

🛒 Chores for Ages 11-13 (Preteens & Middle Schoolers)

At this stage, kids are capable of handling more responsibility—and they should be! These chores teach real-life skills they’ll need as they get older.

• ✅ Clean the bathroom (mirror, sink, toilet)
• ✅ Sweep & mop floors
• ✅ Cook simple meals (pasta, grilled cheese, basic baking)
• ✅ Take the trash bins to the curb
• ✅ Wash & fold laundry (with some help at first!)
• ✅ Load & unload groceries
• ✅ Vacuum entire rooms
• ✅ Mow the lawn (if safe)
• ✅ Walk the dog
• ✅ Babysit younger siblings (with supervision)

💡 Pro Tip: If they start complaining, remind them—chores = life skills. They won’t always have someone cleaning up after them!

🚗 Chores for Ages 14+ (Teens & High Schoolers)

Teenagers can (and should) be doing just about everything an adult does. If they’re driving, working, or planning for college, they should also be contributing at home.

• ✅ Do laundry start to finish (sorting, washing, folding)
• ✅ Cook full meals for the family
• ✅ Deep clean the kitchen (stove, microwave, fridge)
• ✅ Grocery shop (with a list & budget)
• ✅ Wash & vacuum the car
• ✅ Babysit younger siblings solo
• ✅ Mow the lawn & yard work
• ✅ Pay bills or manage a small budget
• ✅ Schedule their own appointments (dentist, doctor)
• ✅ Help with home maintenance (changing light bulbs, fixing things)

💡  Tip: Start paying them for extra tasks outside of their normal chores to teach money management.

Creating Free Printable Family Routine Charts

Kids thrive on routines, but let’s be real—telling them the same thing every day gets exhausting. A visual routine chart takes the guesswork out of their day, helps them know what’s expected, and makes transitions smoother.

To start, create a routine chart to help your kids visually see what you expect of them each day. You can use cute icons to help non-readers understand the routines. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a routine chart template: We’ve included a pre-made routine chart template with cute icons, as well as a blank version that you can fill out yourself. You can also edit the blank version with the editable files provided.
2. Fill out the chart: Fill in the chart with the routines you want your kids to follow, such as wake up time, breakfast, chores, exercise, and screen time.
3. Display the chart: Print out the chart and display it in a prominent location where your kids can see it every day. You can tape it to the end of their bunk bed, put it up on their bathroom mirror, or hang it on the wall.

Example Daily Routine for Kids

☀️ Morning Routine:

• ✅ Wake up & get dressed
• ✅ Brush teeth & wash face
• ✅ Eat breakfast
• ✅ Pack backpack
• ✅ Put on shoes & get ready to go

🎒 After School Routine:

• ✅ Unpack backpack & put things away
• ✅ Have a snack
• ✅ Do homework or reading
• ✅ Help with a small chore
• ✅ Free time/playtime

🌙 Evening Routine:

• ✅ Clean up toys & room
• ✅ Brush teeth & take a bath
• ✅ Pajamas on
• ✅ Family time or quiet time
• ✅ Lights out & bedtime

Creating Free Printable Behavior Charts

Behavior charts are a great way to encourage positive behavior and track progress. Here are the steps to create behavior charts for your kids:

1. Choose a behavior chart template: We recommend using a clear folder or laminating it to protect the chart and using a wet erase marker to give stars each day. We’ve included a blank behavior chart template that you can fill out yourself.
2. Define rewards: Let your kids choose their own rewards as an incentive for good behavior. For example, you can give a monetary reward or a trip to Chuck E. Cheese’s.
3. Display the chart: Print out the chart and put it on a clipboard. Leave it on the counter so you can refer to it whenever you catch your kids being good. Use the wet erase marker to give them stars each day.

Customize the Free Printable Charts

Once you have chosen your template, customize it by adding your child’s name and the tasks they need to complete each day. You can also add a reward or incentive for completing their tasks.

For the printable charts, I’ve included a pre-made one with our routines and cute little icons to help non-readers. I also included a blank version so you can fill it out yourself. If you’d like to edit it I have included editable files for you so it is easier to fill in your routine in the blank versions! These are the fonts I used:

Quicksand Medium

Benefits of Using Behavior and Routine Charts for Kids

Routine and behavior charts have numerous benefits for kids and parents. They help kids develop good habits and teach them responsibility, accountability, and time management skills. They also make life easier for parents by reducing fighting and whining, and by helping kids do their jobs without constant reminders.

Incentives and Reward System

To motivate your kids to complete their tasks, consider offering an incentive or reward. This could be anything from screen time to a special treat or activity. Encourage your child to choose a reward that they are excited about, and use it as a motivator to keep them on track.

As an incentive I let them choose their own reward. My oldest who is 7 really wants an iPod, so each week he wants a reward of $10. We don’t give our kids an allowance, but I think this is a great way for him to learn how to better behave to earn his own money. My 5 year old wanted a trip to Chuck E. Cheese’s.

This routine really helps them earn points/stars on their behavior charts! They are no longer fighting or whining as much, and they are doing their jobs without me asking them to. They cooperate together and help each other out. Sometimes they try to split up tasks just to finish faster, but as long as their jobs are done, and no one’s fighting, I’m a happy momma!

I’m not using the chore charts, but I included a blank one just in case anyone wanted to use it. I think the behavior chart and routines covers most of the kids’ chores already. They know what to do when I ask them to clean up (pick up toys, make their beds, wipe down surfaces, empty dishwasher, pick up living room, etc).

Free Printable Chore Chart & Routine and Behavior Chart Templates: 

We hope these printable templates will help your family stay on track and make your life a little bit easier. Download your free routine and behavior charts below. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @wendafulplanning and tag us so we can see how you’re using these charts in your home. Download our free printable templates and start customizing them today:

About wendaful

Welcome to the Wendaful planner blog! I’m Wenda, a mom, planner addict, and blogger who shares free planner printables and tips on how to live a happy, productive and organized life!