CLICK HERE to get access to our exclusive FREE printables library!

How Does She

Women. Sharing. Ideas.

Chore Chart for Multiple Kids

by 119 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means, we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase something from a link we post (including links to amazon.com because we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.) Don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything.
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Chore Chart For Multiple Kids

Are you ready for this?…

This is going to be the LONGEST tutorial you’ve probably ever seen, but don’t fret…it’s going to be worth it!  An organized classy chore chart is headed your way.  Can you even guess what this chore chart for multiple kids is made out of??? Yep, 2×4’s … another 2×4 decor idea.  I LOVE how this turned out because I can leave it on my counter and it matches my home decor.Chore Chart For Multiple Kids

We’ve included a free pdf template for the chores too! Chore Chart For Multiple Kids

It also has a subliminal message for my kids to read all week, “Chores are fun”…one day they will agree…

If you missed the ever exciting tutorial on how to use a miter saw you are in luck…I just posted it earlier today.  Check it out..it really is a fun read:)

Okay, on with the show:

Chore Chart for Multiple Kids

I cut with the miter saw 5 blocks of wood

4 of them were 3.5 x3.5 squares

1 of them was 8 inches long

Chore Chart For Multiple Kids I drilled one hole into the top of each of the 3.5 by 3.5 blocks.  Do you like my band-aids?  I was so glad this shot really brought out the 3 band-aids that I was lucky enough to be wearing during the making of this craft.  Anyway, I used a 7/8 bit (as shown in the picture…nice shot Missy) and started drilling.

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsI ended up sandwiching the block I was drilling in-between 2 others just so I didn’t end up with more band-aids.  A clamp would work well too!  Ya, I’ll tell you in a minute why I have so many band-aids…

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsThen I had to put a little shoulder into it because I hit a knot and I had to make it work.  Really…most of the time you don’t have to lean into it as much…I guess I’m a tad weak and needed a little oomph to get through that knot.

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsI finished the 3 holes in the three 3.5×3.5’s (there is a picture below).

The next hole I needed to make was a bigger one.  I used a longer 2×4 because a small piece would have just spun and no hole would have been created.  I was using a 2 inch bit for this one.

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsHere is an action shot.  Look at the wood shavings fly…O and do you like my slippers:)

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsMy bit wasn’t long enough to go through width of the 2×4 so I used my drill bit and made a hole to go through the entire board so when I flipped it over I knew where to place the 2 inch bit.

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsI flipped the 2×4 over and am sticking the 2 inch bit into the hole I just drilled.  Giving me a guide to match up the bottom and the top.  Keep reading…it gets better.

My band-aid story:  I was making a sign for a friend and I was in a hurry and the drill bit wasn’t in the entire way.  It slipped and caused me to wear band-aids.    I wish I had some cool life saving story, but really it’s just me being in a hurry with a tool…I’m glad it wasn’t the miter saw:)  Tools are great, but you have to be careful.  O, I sound like my mother!  I’ve been working with power tools for over 3 years and I think this is the worst of the injuries.  I get hurt worse using knives in the kitchen…I will leave the cooking posts to Shelley!  Really just be careful and you’ll be okay!

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsAHHHHHH…it worked.  Honestly I didn’t know if it would work, but it did.   YEA!

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsI had to add this picture of my little guy.  And don’t worry I don’t let him out to play with the saws.  He had been sleeping (hence the bed head)but as soon as he was up, he wanted to see what was happening.  Look at his chipmunk cheeks…LOVE it!

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsOkay here is the top shot.

THREE  3.5×3.5 inch boards with a 7/8 inch drilled down a little over half way.

One 3.5×3.5with a 2 inch hole drilled through the center.

One 3.5×8 inch block under all of the above 4 blocks.

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsMod podge the paper on.  I used an amazingly sophisticated tool to cut a hole into the paper so the Popsicle sticks could fit down into it…a Hannah Montana pencil.

I sanded the blocks and stained the edges.  For more exciting steps on perfect mod podging you can find it in our 10 steps to perfect mod podging.

Apply the vinyl (your kids’ names and chores are fun).  If you need vinyl or a vinyl lady check out our vinyl 101.

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsYou can thank Missy for figuring out how to make a template for the Popsicle sticks (they are for the thicker ones, like tongue depressors).  There are 4 sheets and they are color coded.  Why color coded?  I was invited to go to a class a couple weeks ago on the topic of a ‘house of order’ by an amazing lady named Julie.  After her class, I felt pumped up about house cleaning, dejunking, and doing laundry (really…).

I always have felt chores were ‘another thing’ to do on my list of ‘to do’s’ that never were crossed off because there was always something else to clean.

She gave a whole new perspective on house cleaning.  She said she felt blessed when she did chores.  She was happy to do laundry because it was another way she showed love to her family.  She was happy to do it because she had a washer and dryer to make it easier.   We are hoping to get her to do a post for us (hint…hint).    I really have never heard someone so positive on cleaning and household chores.

Anyway, back to the color coding.  She divides her chores up into how long they take…how long they ‘should’ take:)  Then, when assigning chores, the kids get to choose 2 two minute chores, 2 five minute chores and so on until all the chores are divided up evenly.

So, we put it into an easy format for you just to print them off on colored paper and easily attach them to Popsicle sticks.

All the 15 minute chores are on one sheet and I printed them on cream paper

The 10 minute chores are Yellow

The 5 minute chores are Red

The 2 minute chores are Green

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE PDF CHORE CHART TEMPLATE

Chore Chart For Multiple Kids

After I printed them out I mod podged them onto the Popsicle sticks.Chore Chart For Multiple KidsI sanded them down and then stained the edges.  Next time I need to wipe my table off before I take a picture.  The crumbs are from blueberry muffins during snack time!

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsThe kids get to choose.  I will sometimes cover the chore name so they ‘blindly’ get their assignments.

Chore Chart For Multiple Kids

They get their own block, put their chores in it and get to work.  Some of you will notice Davis’ chores…he’s two and can’t wipe out the microwave, but I had to make him one so when he can he will be given the opportunity one day:)

Chore Chart For Multiple KidsWhen they are finished with their chore, the Popsicle stick goes back into home base!  It helps them keep track of what they’ve done and what they need to do.  Also, it’s helped me because I know what chores to check up on to make sure they’ve been completed.  I started making this as a gift for someone, but I liked it so much I decided to keep it!  Another cool thing…it was super cheap…’thrifty’ to make!

And one more shot of it because there are so many wonderful pictures in this post that I didn’t want you to forget what the final project looked like!

Chore Chart For Multiple Kids

Chore Chart For Multiple Kids


About Alison

Alison is one of the 3 founders of HowDoesShe.com She is the mama of 4 rockin' kids who love PB and J's. She has one fantastic husband who is the love of her life and loves long walks on the beach!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Pam @ Design Fanatic says

    So cute and practical. I find it teenagers do the chores that I ask them to do when I give them a tangible list instead of just telling them what to do. Your idea would work great for all those “honey do” items too. Sometimes that list gets long, but one 5 or 10 minute chore a night seems much easier.

    Reply

  2. Natalie says

    I love this, especially the part about helping you remember what needs to be done. I am so making this! Thanks! Now just to make it for 4 kids.

    Reply

  6. Tylynn says

    Oh my this is a darling idea. I feel the same way about chores as you do and have gotten motivation to get things done and keep up with chores and not get far behind. This is such a fantastic idea and will be making one for our family! Thanks so much!

    Reply

  9. shelly says

    I seriously was about to paint a chalkboard on my kitchen wall last night!!! (But it wasn’t what I realllly wanted for a chore chart). Your’s is perfect!!! Not right out there -in your face-board of torture…cute and how cool to use the sticks!!! I think I might color coordinate with my (3!) boy’s names so that all can see what they’ve done and what they need to do!!!

    You’re awesome—sorry about the booboos. 😉

    Reply

  10. sadie says

    These are great. We have a lot of 2×4 & 4×4 left over from building our fence…so I tried my first one yesterday. Turned out great plus Michaels is having a sale on their paper you can tear/sand this week 5 sheets for $1. I did the sucker holder for a cute gift to give to a friend for St. Patty’s Day. I didn’t have any vinyl so I mod podged some scrapbook sticker letters. thanks for your posts– awesome!

    Reply

  13. Christa says

    Could you be more creative? I don’t think so. This is beautiful and amazing!! You have so much talent I’m astonished!! Great, great idea! I’m way to intimidated be wood cutting but I may have to go ahead and make my own version of this. Great idea.

    Reply

  15. Ellen says

    What a great way to hand out chores. I have four children and this is so much nicer then the traditional paper charts that clutter the house. Thank you for your beautiful inspiration!

    Reply

  16. Molly says

    That is precious. I just made a chore chart of my own which I am pleased with, but I had a hard time coming up with chores! I know, I know, I probably do too much FOR my kids…thanks for the pdf with all the chores listed. That was a great help! (My kids may not be so thankful!)

    Reply

  17. Mari says

    Wow! I was thinking of this very same idea with Popsicle sticks and jars…but this project turned out much better and now I don’t have to work so hard on it! I plan to add a different color for those projects that are extra which allow the kids to earn some cash. Thank you!!!

    Reply

  24. Kally says

    Everything you do brings me joy! My sister and I have already made a few of your cute crafts and I’m sure this one will go on the list! Last weekend we sanded like 5000 blocks to make your stuff! And now we’ll have to sand more! Thanks for another darling wood craft! Keep them coming!

    Reply

  27. Laura says

    What a great idea – definitely on my to-do list! Can you tell me more about the house of order class? Sounds like I might need it too!

    Reply

  31. Alicia says

    Wow, those are works of art! We do a very simple chore stick activity that I posted here: examiner.com/x-/x-23788-Mankato-Attachment-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m11d10-Chore-sticks-make-chores-fun-for-kids

    I mix in wacky chores and fun stuff, so the kids want to keep pulling chore sticks. It works pretty well for us. They keep asking to do more. 🙂

    Reply

  34. Amy@ New Nostalgia says

    This is so great.
    I’m not too good with a saw,(I’d end up with a bandaid on every finger) but, I may try to make your pretty sticks and use mason jars as the holder.
    (I have a thing for mason jars:))

    Reply

  35. Scotti O. says

    I linked this to my blog…hope that is ok! If not please let me know!

    Here it is!
    oxfordfam.blogspot.com/2010/03/wanna-make-it-wednesday-0317.html

    Reply

  36. Amy says

    I forgot to add this advice – DRILL PRESS!! They really aren’t that expensive and would make you work A LOT easier!! (and it’s something your hubby would think cool to have in his garage!)

    Reply

  38. Cynthia says

    I’m DEFINITELY making this, and I already have several friends in mind to gift it to!

    One thing…with my kids they tend to think they ALWAYS get the same chores over and over and their siblings NEVER havce to do “that chore” so I’m going to have them put their initial on the back each time they complete their chore. That way they see everyone is doing ALL the chores equally. I’ll obviously have to make the sticks again at some time, but I figure after awhile they’ll need to be replaced or the chore changed anyway, right?

    Reply

  39. Megan says

    Someone PLEASE make these and sell them on ETSY. There is no way I’m going to make it, but love love it!

    Reply

  41. Emilie Daly says

    Hello!

    So, I am trying to customize the chores to fit my families needs and I was wondering what font you used……that way I don’t have to go through and change EVERYTHING!

    Thanks!

    Reply

  43. Cindy@SimplyServe says

    I love this – it looks so professional, fun and is useful to you and the kids.
    Also love the slippers…that is so ‘me’. Drilling/sawing in slippers…too funny.
    Cindy

    Reply

  44. Amy says

    THANK YOU!!! I needed something JUST like this! Bought the stuff today. One question- What font are you using for the popsicle page?
    I am sooooo happy I found this site. Will definitely be sharing it with all my friends. AND won’t my husband think I’m sexy with my safety glasses and drill in hand? Taking crafting to a whole new level in this house!
    Cheers!

    Reply

  46. Felicity says

    Thank you SO much for this inspirational idea. I’ve posted it with a link to your blog on my site today and am off to start the project for myself. I really hope that you can encourage, bribe, wrangle the ‘fun chore’ lady as a guest blogger she sounds like she has a lot to offer. x
    .-= Felicity´s last blog ..Serendipity shared is serendipity doubled =-.

    Reply

    • Amy says

      I second that request–if it isn’t too hard. I love most of your ideas, but there are a few I’d like to change for our family.

      Reply

  48. amber:) says

    I am having so much fun with this project! I never knew how much fun power tools could be- I always thought that was men stuff. So I have a silly question: do you sand your blocks before or after you mod podge the paper on?
    Thanks for you help- I heart your blog! Keep the 2×4 ideas coming, my mom gave me an entire box full of 2×4 scraps she didn’t need anymore. Lots of possibilities!

    Reply

    • Alison says

      Thanks for the kind comments! YAY for power tools…I am so excited for you. We want to see your creations though:) I sand them down after. I like easy projects.

      Reply

  49. lauren says

    This idea is amazing! So much better than a traditional chore chart. I live with my boyfriend and his friend, neither of which truely “help” with anything. I get the, “Oh, don’t do the dishes, I’ll do them in the morning” line, day after day. Needless to say, they just pile up until I decide I am tired of waiting, lol. I know this is sort of mom-ish of me, but it’s better than wanting to rip my hair out every day. So, I thank you!!

    Reply

  56. Andromeda Jazmon says

    I love this idea! But I don’t have the tools or wood and it’s Sat. morning and I am inspired. I think I’ll try making it out of plastic cups & popsicle sticks and let the kids decorate them with markers. Maybe hot glue the cups onto some type of platform so they don’t get knocked over… Love the idea of sorting chores by the time they take. Makes it a challenging game, right? Great fun!
    .-= Andromeda Jazmon´s last blog ..Autumn Psalm =-.

    Reply

  57. Karen says

    You should consider making these and selling them. I would totally buy it from you and know many others that would too. If you ever decide to do that let me know.

    Reply

  58. Aliessa says

    Aaaaah!! So, so, so cute!! I wonder if it being so cute will encourage my children to do their chores?:) Thanks so much for this post it is a fantastic idea – I will definitely be making my own!
    .-= Aliessa´s last blog ..Teacher Gift Class =-.

    Reply

  60. Jen says

    I LOVE this idea and am planning on doing it in the morning! My one question: did you glue down your 3.5 blocks to the base board? It looks like it’s a no on the ones with the names, but what about the flat one? Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply

    • Alison says

      Nope I didn’t. I give them the block with the sticks in it and they walk around the house with it so they can stay focused. They have to return it when they are finished…that way I know they are really done.

      Reply

      • J says

        Can the jobs on the template be changed? I have other jobs and some aren’t on there or I dont need those. how do I change it, it wont let me delete what is there to create my own words.

        Reply

  62. ryobi says

    That is simply marvelous.You look like a professional chore chart maker.You should think about making it a career means as a business.You have got the potential.

    Reply

  66. Kit says

    This is great. We recently started using the Nurtured Heart Approach with our parenting so instead of color coding the time for each chore, I will color code the corresponding reward for each chore then whomever chooses to do it will get that many credits at the end of the day! Thanks!!!

    Reply

  69. Andrea says

    Ok.. so I totally wanna do this… I’m not crafty and don’t have a Michael’s to wander thru… we have a Hobby Lobby, so that will have to do, but what kind of paper is it? is it scrap booking paper? OR???

    Reply

  70. Amy says

    This is so cute! I hate the paper charts that hang on the refrigerator, this works great and is decorative too! Love it! Cant wait to make it and show it off to my friends they will be so jealous!

    Reply

  72. Lisa says

    For those who want to make this but not do the hard core carpentry – buy a set of wooden pencil holders or chipboard boxes, and screw them to a wooden base. Hey presto!

    Reply

  73. Georgia Hall says

    I love your website and your weekly newsletter. I get a lot of inspiration from you guys. I put a link to your blog on my blog and a picture of the 2×4 chore chart. Thanks for all the great ideas and for being willing to share them.

    Reply

    • Shelley says

      No. The Vinyl we use is either from a personal craft cutting machine (silhouette, cricuit, etc) or you can buy it pre-cut directly from a vinyl supplier. 🙂 Hope that helps.

      Reply

  76. Laura says

    I have to tell you, that I have not made this project, yet…but my kids went wild for the chores laid out like this…I just cut the strips of paper from the template and they went to town… cleaning for 4 hours, no joke, without being nagged…actually the only fighting going on was when two of them wanted to clean the toilets…WTH…SO I went to work making the blocks…need to hit the craft store for more paper, nothing I have will work.

    Reply

  78. Brittany says

    I love this! First baby on the way so I think when I need something creative to do on maternity leave, I’ll do this! (After the baby’s born, of course.) And there’s absolutely no reason that mom and dad can’t be put on there with the kids as well. Then the kids will know that you have your share of chores too!

    Reply

  82. Bonnie says

    Any way to make the templates so they could be edited? Just to add own personal chores (also change spelling of mopped)?

    Reply

  83. andra says

    hi there… do you have a list of chores you could send me? I LOVE LOVE this idea… I have a hard time finding chores that are age appropriate. The chores I could see looked awesome!!
    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  84. Beth says

    I just came across this last week and with some improvising made one similar. I hope it works to keep me and the kids organized when it comes to chores!

    Reply

  85. Brittany says

    I love this idea and that chores get switched up a little – this could be a good thing for my ADHD’er. Hmmm. I’ll have to think about that one! I’m wondering for all the ladies out there that don’t have the tools or time to do this (like me)if there is a local craft shop that might have blocks of wood already cut. Or even some wood candle holders (minus the candle) which would have a whole cut in it already? The popsicle sticks seem manageable. 🙂 Just found this site and am excited about it! Thanks!!

    Reply

  86. Angia says

    This is by far the cuties chore chart idea I have seen. I will not be making my chore chart from scratch, however I will find a few small boxes I can paint myself and glue together. I will however, make the color coded popcicle sticks. Thank you so very much for this brilliant idea. I am excited about assigning chores to my three children now. I appreciate this more than you know.

    Angia from Van Buren Twp, MI

    Reply

  89. Megan says

    I found your site through pinterest, and acutally came for another post, but love EVERYTHING. I had to comment, not just because I love your ideas, but also because WE have a son named Davis! I thought we were the only ones out there. 🙂 Great name!!

    Reply

  90. Julie V says

    This is so darling! One thing I really don’t like about the chore chart thing is that I don’t like the look of it hanging around! This is something that would be nice to have out:).

    Reply

  91. Sharon says

    I’m so excited to have found your blog! Your printables are *adorable*! I’m really excited about the summer reading ones. I don’t have kids yet, but I LOVE planning for them!

    Reply

  92. JoAnna M says

    Thank you for this wonderful Inspiration!! I have four kids and have been wanting to do something like this!! But have been hesitant, seeing close to what I had in mind in my head on the screen I gave a sequel of delight!! I am totally doing this!! 😀 good Job MAMA 😀

    Reply

  93. Brine says

    I love the chore chart made eith the 2×4 and popsicle sticks. I have 7 kids, so chore charta ate a necessity. Question though… On the chore chart for multiple kids, do you screw the name blocks down to the base board or do you leave them loose where the kids can take their own name box?

    Reply
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email