Summer Chore Chart For Kids

Tell all ya friends and neighbors!

If you’re looking for a way to get your kids (regardless of age) to help around the house, this summer chore chart printable can help!

I will never forget when my 5 year old Charlotte looked at me and asked me to make her a chore chart.

You guys. She asked me to make her one.

Of course I said yes quicker than I think I’ve ever said yes to anything, including marrying Jordan.

I think it was mostly because she wanted to type something on my computer, but regardless of the reason, I started working on creating her a summer printable chore chart for my 5 year old.

I thought I would share with you what kind of printable kids chore chart we made, but also what to put on a chore chart for a 5 year old. These options are typically good for the 4-7 range, I’ve found.

Are Chore Charts Good for Kids?

As a general rule, chores should be focused on a kids’ body or their own stuff. Think basic life skills. I wouldn’t let a 5 year old clean bathrooms or anything that requires heavy deep cleaning.

According to Harvard study, toddlers as young as 2 or 3 are not only capable of many household chores but also benefit psychically and emotionally from participating. Doing chores also helps kids feel a sense of accomplishment and builds self-esteem at an early age.

That said, not every child will respond to a chore chart well at first or at all. If your child is generally cooperative and motivated without one, don’t sweat it. Likewise, if your child resists all attempts at structure and hates being told what to do, a chore chart may do more harm than good.

How To Set Up Your Chore Chart

Assuming your kiddo is receptive to the idea, here’s how to get started making a summer chore chart that works:

1. Sit down with your child and make a list of age-appropriate chores. Make a game out of it. Make it fun! Remember: playing and hands on activities are the best way for little ones to learn or practice skills.

2. Choose a system for recording and tracking progress. This could be as simple as check marks on a paper chart or using a summer-themed printable chore chart like the one below.

3. Determine which chores will be done daily, weekly, or as needed.

4. Put it in a place where everyone can see it and refer to it often.

5. Be consistent! Encourage your child every day and make a big deal with them for a job well done.

What Chores Should a 5 Year Old Be Doing?

Charlotte just turned 7 and her chores aren’t much different than they were when she was 5.

You want to be sure they’re doable for their current abilities to set both you and them up to win.

For example, Charlotte wouldn’t have a chore like mowing the lawn or taking out the trash at her age because she’s not ready for those yet.

Brushing her teeth, absolutely. Putting her dirty clothes in her laundry, yes.

And having a printable chore chart for your kid in the summer can help you reinforce things you are wanting them to have mastered for the upcoming school year.

She’s been going to camp and has to take a lunch so it’s a perfect way for her to practice putting her lunchbox away and into the sink.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of chores for a 5 year old, but in general here are some weekly or daily chores that may be good for younger kids:

• Brush teeth
• Get dressed
• Clean up toys
• Put dirty clothes in their hamper
• Put clean clothes away (you can fold first if they’re not ready for that)
• Help cook dinner
• Set the table for meal time
• Put dirty dishes in sink
• Empty dishwasher
• Clean up spills
• Spot sweep/vacuum (having a lightweight stick vacuum may help for this!)
• Dust
• Put their own laundry from washer to dryer
• Bring in mail (Charlotte wanted me to let everyone know this is her favorite)
• Feed/water pets if you have them
• “Declutter” (will require help from adult telling them where things go)

Your own kid may be more or less advanced than the things in this list, so you can always adjust as they learn new skills or are capable of more difficult chores.

How Much Allowance Should a 5 Year Old Get?

You may be wondering if you should be “paying” your 5 year old and if so, how much allowance should a 5 year old even get?

There’s a difference in chores and responsibilities. Some things like putting something back where they got it from is a responsibility. Picking up toys and putting them where they go is a great beginner “chore”. 

For chores, chores can cost as little as a nickel. Any small bit is teaching them that they are working for something. If you have a summer printable chore chart like the one below, put an amount next to each task. Let them know that if they complete all of their tasks for the day or week, they will get paid that amount.

As far as actual allowance goes, it really depends on what your family is comfortable with. You may want to start with a dollar per week and increase it as your child demonstrates maturity or responsibility.

One thing I’ve had to learn too is to let them spend the money how they want to. If they want to blow it all on ice cream, let them. But don’t forget to teach them a lesson along the way.

For summer specifically, you may want to consider giving your child a “summer job” above their normal chores. This could be things like walking the dog every day, feeding the fish while you’re gone, or water plants.

Super Cute Summer Chore Chart Printables

I created a couple chore chart ideas you can choose from with fun bright colors, especially for little kids!

Simply drop your email below and the link for them will come right to your inbox!

Pro tip: Put these in a page protector and use a dry erase marker so you only have to print it off once.

I also found these other free printable chore chart template options so that you can keep the chore fun going all year round. Changing up your printables can bring freshness to your kids’ attitudes about their responsibilities.

Using a summer-themed printable chore chart is an easy way to get your child excited about doing chores when they’re home more often.

Just download and print any of the options above, hang it up, and start checking off boxes!