Anyone love summer break with kids, but also get a little scared? I am serious. I get scared that they will be standing around me asking what to do next or me reminding them constantly to read, practice math and all the other things that kids need to do to keep their brain active! I love when everyone feels productive and knows the plan.
We enjoy getting out and doing active things. BUT I believe there are things that kids need to take ownership of daily. Just like adults. This will help them to feel empowered. It is also a leveraging tool to say “we can’t go do an activity until you list is done” and “no screen time until the To-Do List is complete and Bonus Work”. And a way for them to earn money, but also recognize the things that they just need to do without expecting payment.
I quickly created a Chore Chart for my kids so I thought I would share it! It is basically blank so you can customize it to fit your kids needs-
Kids Chore Chart and To-Do List-
- PERSONAL GOAL- There is a section on the top that they can write down a personal goal. A word of the week or month. Or it could be a scripture or quote they are trying to memorize or remember.
- TO-DO list section will basically stay the same for us from week to week. They will just re-write it down each week. Or you could use slashes and re-use the same chart over and over.
- BONUS section is where they can earn money. This could change from week to week but for us it will basically stay the same. If they complete it on a day they can do a check mark or write in the amount of money they earned. They can get paid at the end of the week or save the papers on the clipboard for something bigger. It could even be an outing as a family- like water park or a movie.
- EVENTS- a spot for events just for them. They can fill in the day they have the event with the time.
Below is Ella’s To-Do List and Bonus (AKA Chores)
Making your bed, cleaning your room, putting away laundry is not considered a chore. All of those things are things that just need to be done. I did put “make the bed” on the list along with “brush your teeth” because as soon as school is out they think it’s a free pass on everything. So it is a reminder to do the basics.
My girls are 7 and 10. Below are SOME chores that we will pay them for. Prices could vary depending on how long it takes.
Ella (age 10) Chores-
- Unload dishes 25 cents
- Mop floors 50 cents- $1
- Clean toilets 25 cents
- Put away laundry (other than yours) 50 cents- $1
- Play with (aka watch Finn) for 30 min $1
Lola (age 7) Chores-
- Wash all the inside windows and mirrors 50 cents
- Take out garbages 25 cents
- Play with (aka watch Finn) for 30 min $1
- Clean bathroom sinks and counters 25 cents
- Water ALL plants inside and outside 50 cents
I found clipboards at Target last year and spray painted them in my Favorite Gold Spray Paint. They attached to the fridge with command strips. We have pens and markers right by the Chore Charts. You could attach a pen to your clipboard. Also in our IKEA Cabinet we have their math sheets and reading sheets they are supposed to work on.
Find Lola’s Jumper HERE
Click HERE to print your own Kids Chore Chart (black & white)
*PRINTING– when you click on the link below it will take you to the PDF to print. Once in the printing settings you can change the image SCALE to 120% to fill up the page!
** You could get a page laminated or use a sheet protector if you want to keep it the same at least for a few weeks! (tip from reader!)
I love this! I love that certain things should be done regardless with the bonus chores as a way to earn something. Can’t wait to try this! Thank you!
oh good! I am glad that you like it! It works for us!
I love this idea! What a great way to keep everyone on track. You could put it in a sheet protector & use a dry erase marker. It would save on paper. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas! ☺️
Oh good idea!! Or I guess get it laminated!
Ok, this is great! My boys have been out of school for a couple weeks already but never too late to start. Thanks for sharing.
This article is really insightful regarding kids helping in other countries (with no prompting or rewards!):
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/06/09/616928895/how-to-get-your-kids-to-do-chores-without-resenting-it
I love how this is such a simple and realistic chore chart for kids. I’m also loving how much you pay your kids for their bonus chores!
Thanks Amanda!
Just printed! Great ideas! Love the ideas of cleaning windows and counters! What kind of cleaner do you use so it’s safe for the kiddos to use? Vinegar? Thank you!
Thank you! I have always made my own chore charts because others weren’t blank or too complicated to adapt. I agree some to-do’s are just a given, you don’t get rewarded, it’s your responsibility and that paid to-do’s are above and beyond. I also like your ‘reasonable’ earnings–it’s so important to teach them the value of money and that it takes hard work and sacrifice to earn it. Thanks again!
Apparently I just need to come stalk your blog! Everything you’ve been sharing in IG Stories has been amazing!
oh thank you!!
Why don’t I love you already?? You’re the best. Thank you for this.
I have been able to my manage by having a mental chart for them, but with this, it’s going to be easier and they would partake in it, knowing what is expected of them at every point in time.
It make them more responsible and accountable. Thank You
I love it