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Chores for 5-year-olds

Good chores for 5-year-olds are short jobs they can see and finish: toys in bins, clothes in the hamper, napkins on the table, shoes by the door, books on the shelf, and pet water with help.

Printable chart

Preview of Download the picture-cue chart

Download the picture-cue chart

A blank weekly chart to fill in together, with simple chore ideas for age four on this page.

Download PDF Preview chart

Preview of Download the word-row chart

Download the word-row chart

A blank weekly chart plus practical ideas for a six-year-old. Add your own names and habits.

Download PDF Preview chart

Chores By Room And Routine

Five is a bridge year. Some kids still need picture cues. Some are ready for words and a weekly chart.

AreaChoresParent support
BedroomPajamas away, hamper clothes, choose outfitKeep choices small.
KitchenNapkins on table, clear own plate, match cupsExpect spills.
EntryShoes by door, backpack on hook, coat on pegPut hooks at kid height.

Why The System Breaks

At five, adults often expect independence before the child is ready. The parent still has to translate the page into action and help the first step happen.

The Choreeo loop

Choreeo keeps the kid-facing part on paper. Grown-ups use Choreeo on the web to save names and habits, share turns, and edit the chart before reprinting. Kids do not need another screen.

Keep the paper. Skip the rewriting.

Use the free PDF by hand, or let Choreeo make a personalized chart with shared turns and each kid’s habits.

Make your family’s chart

Questions parents ask

What chores should a 5-year-old do?

Use visible jobs: toys in bins, clothes in the hamper, napkins on the table, shoes by the door, and simple pet help with a parent nearby.

Should a 5-year-old have a picture chore chart?

Many should. If reading is still slow, picture cues help the chart do its job without making the parent read every row.

How many chores should a 5-year-old have?

Three to six is enough. A morning routine can take three rows by itself.