Chore Chart to Earn Screen Time: Free Templates by Age
A printable chore chart that ties screen time to completed tasks. Pick your child's age group, print the chart, and start using it tonight. Or skip the paper and automate it.
Why a chore chart works for screen time
A chore chart to earn screen time works because it makes the deal visible. Instead of arguing about whether chores were done, both parent and child can look at the chart. Done means done. Screen time earned.
- Visual accountability — kids see what's required before asking for screens
- No daily negotiation — the chart is the rule, not you
- Builds habits — checking off tasks creates a routine loop
- Works for multiple kids — each child gets their own chart
Screen time chore chart: Ages 4–7
For young children, keep it to one chore per day. Use pictures alongside words if they can't read yet. The goal is building the habit, not the workload.
| Chore | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put toys in toy bin | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Put dirty clothes in hamper | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Help set the table | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| ✅ Screen time earned? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Rule: Complete 1 chore from the list → earn screen time for the day. Print this page (Ctrl+P) to use as a physical chart.
Screen time chore chart: Ages 8–12
At this age, kids can handle 1–2 chores per day. Rotate chores weekly to keep things fresh and build a wider skill set.
| Chore | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make bed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Unload / load dishwasher | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Take out trash / recycling | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Vacuum or sweep one room | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Fold and put away laundry | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| ✅ Screen time earned? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Rule: Complete 2 chores from the list → earn screen time for the day. Rotate which chores are assigned each week.
Screen time chore chart: Ages 13+
Teens can handle real household responsibilities. Frame it as contribution, not punishment. The WiFi leverage is especially effective at this age.
| Chore | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean kitchen after dinner | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Do own laundry (start to finish) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Mow lawn / shovel walkway | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cook a simple meal for the family | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Clean a full bathroom | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Organize garage / closet section | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| ✅ Screen time earned? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Rule: Complete 1–2 assigned chores → earn screen time. Teens respond best when they have input on which chores rotate to them.
How to use the chore chart effectively
Print and post visibly
Put it on the fridge, in the hallway, or on the child's door. Visibility eliminates "I forgot" excuses.
Let kids check off their own chores
Ownership builds compliance. Let them physically check the box. It feels like an achievement, not an obligation.
Verify before granting screen time
Glance at the chore to confirm it's actually done. This is the hardest part to sustain manually — which is why many parents automate with Work4WiFi.
Review and rotate weekly
Every Sunday, swap in new chores or adjust difficulty. This keeps things fresh and prevents "I'm bored of that chore" resistance.
Paper chore chart vs. automated enforcement
Paper charts are a great starting point. But most parents find that manual verification is the weak link.
Paper chart
- ✅ Free and simple
- ✅ Kids can physically check boxes
- ✅ Visible to the whole family
- ❌ Kids can lie about completing chores
- ❌ Parent must manually verify and grant access
- ❌ Gets forgotten, lost, or ignored after 2 weeks
- ❌ No enforcement mechanism for screen time
Work4WiFi (automated)
- ✅ Chores assigned digitally — no paper to lose
- ✅ Kids submit photo proof of completed chores
- ✅ AI verifies the work automatically
- ✅ WiFi/internet unlocks when chores pass
- ✅ Works for every device (phones, tablets, consoles, laptops)
- ✅ Parent gets notified but doesn't have to do anything
- ✅ Chore streaks, stats, and history tracked
Chore chart screen time — FAQ
How does a chore chart for screen time work?
Kids have a list of daily chores on a chart. Each completed chore gets checked off. Once all required chores are done, they earn screen time for the day. It makes expectations visible and removes daily arguments.
What chores should I put on the chart?
Start with 1–2 age-appropriate chores under 10 minutes each. Examples: make bed (ages 5+), unload dishwasher (ages 7+), vacuum a room (ages 10+), cook a simple meal (ages 13+). Keep it achievable so kids succeed early and build the habit.
Can I automate a chore chart?
Yes. Work4WiFi replaces the paper chore chart with an automated system: parents assign chores, kids submit a photo when done, AI verifies the work, and WiFi/screen time unlocks automatically. It's a chore chart that enforces itself.
Should screen time be earned through chores?
Many child psychologists support tying privileges to responsibilities when framed as routine rather than punishment. The key: keep chores small, separate homework access, and be consistent every single day.
What if my kid lies about completing chores?
This is the #1 problem with paper chore charts. With Work4WiFi, kids submit a photo of the completed chore, and AI verifies it actually matches the task. No room for "I already did it" when there's photo proof.
Ready for a chore chart that enforces itself?
Work4WiFi automates chore verification and screen time control. Free to start. Set up in 5 minutes.
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