Family Chore Chart

The mental load problem

In most families, one person — usually mum — is the household's project manager. They notice what's running low, who hasn't done their bit, and what needs deep-cleaning before the weekend. That role is exhausting precisely because it's invisible.

A printed chore chart shifts the noticing onto a piece of paper. Now the chart tracks who does what. The mental load gets distributed because the system itself does the remembering.

How to set it up

1. Add every family member who's old enough to help — even small kids can own a chore.
2. Pick rooms and chores realistic for your home.
3. Set effort levels — kids' chores should be small/easy.
4. Use fair rotation, or fixed-by-room if you want each kid to "own" one space.

Age-appropriate chores

• Ages 2-3: Put toys away, hand laundry items.
• Ages 4-6: Set table, feed pets, dust low surfaces.
• Ages 7-10: Vacuum, take out trash, help with dishes, change bed sheets.
• Ages 11+: Laundry, bathrooms, mopping, deeper cleaning.

Print it. Stick it. Watch the magic.

Stick the chart on the fridge. Use the checkboxes — kids love ticking things off (so do adults, actually). Reset weekly. After a month it stops being a "new thing" and just becomes how the house works.

FAQ