Printable Chore Charts for Kids

Benefits of Chore Charts for Kids

Chore charts, like kids' behavior charts are multi-functional. They offer benefits to both kids and parents. For parents, chore charts make it easy to see, at-a-glance, whether or not children are following through on their assigned chores. They also provide a natural avenue for positive reinforcement and rewards. Items like check marks, smiley faces, and stickers can easily be added to chore charts, further motivating kids to work. For kids, chore charts can boost their excitement about pitching in around the house. For added incentive, choose a chart in a fun theme or favorite color.

Finding Printable Chore Charts for Kids

Surprisingly, printable chore charts for kids are readily available online. Simply type the phrase in to any search engine, and you'll likely be bombarded with results. Since the choices are varying and overwhelming, we've simplified the task by picking a few of our favorites. Read on to find the printable chore chart for kids that is right for your family.

DLTK

DLTK is the LoveToKnow Kids pick for the best printable chore charts for kids. This site offers a multitude of choices, and even better, they are fully customizable. The first step is choosing a style. There are so many choices; you're bound to find one that will appeal to your youngsters. Style offerings include cartoon characters, animals, nature, and holidays. Current choices include:

• Blue's Clues
• Anime
• Angels
• Dinosaurs
• Teddy Bears
• Princesses
• Music
• Superheroes
• SpongeBob SquarePants

Once you have selected your design, it's time to customize your chart. Customizable features include color or black and white, theme-appropriate image, title, font, text size, headings, columns, and rows. With the printable chore charts for kids from DLTK, choices are endless. You can choose which aspects are main headings. Some families prefer to list children's names across the top and list chores down the side; others choose to list days of the week across the top and children's names down the side. Still others like to list days of the week down the side and chores or kids' names across the top. With this fun, free tool, it really is up to you and your preferences.

Alenka's Printables

Alenka's Printables offers several versions of chore charts, all designed to be printed on 8.5" X 11" paper or card stock for extra durability. Each chart is designed to be used with only one child, but you can print as many copies as you need. The charts feature a clean, simple design, with the days of the week printed across the top and blank space for the chores down the side. Each chart is decorated with simple, old-fashioned art, such as:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Toys
• Halloween/Autumn
• Flowers
• Dolls

Although the chore charts at Alenka's are not customizable, they are quite functional and attractive. These are particularly useful if you want a chart that will patch your kitchen decor.

Chart Jungle

Chart Jungle requires a free membership, but sign up is quick and easy-- and well worth the time. Membership entitles you to a myriad of printable charts, calendars, awards, contracts, and checklists. The chore charts are basic but very functional. One design, "Chore Chart with Pictures", even offers a hybrid of words and pictures, making it ideal for new, emerging, or struggling readers. Be sure to scroll to the end of the page, as there are more charts after the text.

Other Printable Chore Charts for Kids

Our favorite charts are free, but there are many effective charts available for a fee. Although these printable chore charts did not make our top three list, they are still well worth a look. Who knows? One of these just might be the perfect chart for your family:

• My Reward Board
• Easy Child
• Accountable Kids

Tips for Using Chore Charts

In order to be effective, kids' chore charts must work for your unique needs. Feel free to make adjustments wherever needed. If your kids need to have the same chores every day for a week, don't feel you must use a daily chart. Make the chart work for your family; don't try to force your family to change to suit a chart. Here are some ideas for making a chart even more personalized:

• Use a picture chart for non-readers.
• To help your non-reading kids recognize common words, use a combination picture/word chart.
• Get your kids involved in the chore chart personalization. For example, many young kids enjoy decorating the chart.
• Find a theme that will appeal to your kids.
• Give them a goal to work towards. Let them earn rewards, such as television or computer time or a special treat. It doesn't have to be about money.
• Decorate the chart with photos of your children doing chores.