Simple Free Printable How to Earn Screen Time Chore Chart

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Use our free printable screen time chart to put an chore system in place where kids get their daily chores, school work, and more done before getting on the screens and playing video games. 

Building daily routines and setting screen time limits is a must around our house, especially during the school year. However, we also follow and use responsibility charts through the summer as well. This makes the transition easier when it’s time to get back to business. 

We all know that too much screen time can lead to priorities being in the wrong places. So instead of fussing with kids, make this process easier by allowing them to earn extra screen time once their to-do list is done. We also teach our kids that these things are important life skills and will help them later on, versus looking at chores like they are punishment. 

Free Printable Screen Time Chart 

Set the screen time rules by filling in this chart. Kids will earn screen time by completing their daily chores and tasks. 

Get the Full Screen Time Bundle 

Grab our in color screen time rules chart that also comes with screen rewards bucks! It’s also fillable using the free version of Adobe to make editing super easy! Screen bucks are included!

How to Use the Screen Time Chart 

Write down their chores in the first column. We have this chart set up for a daily printable checklist. You can easily mark which household chores are needed to be done on a weekly basis. 

Then decide how many minutes of screen time that each chore is worth. 

Write in at the bottom when payday is and at the end of the week, calculate amount of time they have earned. 

Print out the daily checklist and let’s start building good habits! 

Helpful Tips 

• For younger children who have cell phones, be sure to set their screen limits there are well. 
• To make payday even more fun, aware them with screen time tickets, bucks, or screen time tokens. This also makes it easier to keep track when they actually cash in on the earned screen time. 
• Want to make this chart reusable? Simply place it in a screen protector or laminate it. Then use dry erase markers each week.

How Much Screen Time Should Kids Be Allowed? 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers that are 18-24 months old should only watch programming that encourages educational activities and should be under supervision of an adult. Kids that are 2-5 years old should have 1 hour of screen time per day (non-educational) during the school week and 3 hours on the weekends. For children 6 and up, this is for parents to decide, but they recommend limiting screens and add more activity and healthy habits into their daily schedule. 

Chore Ideas By Age 

Here’s a good starting chore list that is broken down by age appropriate tasks.

Preschoolers (3-5 years):

1. Pick up toys and put them in designated bins.
2. Help set the table (with plastic, unbreakable items).
3. Wipe low surfaces with a damp cloth.
4. Water indoor plants (under supervision).
5. Put dirty clothes in the laundry hamper.

Early Elementary (6-9 years):

1. Make the bed.
2. Sweep floors with a small broom.
3. Fold and put away laundry (simple items).
4. Empty small trash bins.
5. Feed pets and ensure their water bowls are filled.
6. Assist with preparing simple snacks.

Preteens (10-12 years):

1. Vacuum carpets and mop floors.
2. Load and unload the dishwasher.
3. Clean bathroom surfaces and mirrors.
4. Take out the trash and recycling.
5. Help with meal preparation (under supervision).
6. Dusting surfaces around the house.

Teens (13-18 years):

1. Clean windows and glass surfaces.
2. Mow the lawn or shovel snow.
3. Cook simple meals independently.
4. Grocery shopping for specific items.
5. Deep cleaning of rooms and shared spaces.
6. Manage their own laundry (washing, drying, folding).

Other Tasks Before Screen Time 

This chart is a great way to instill other great habits aside from weekly chores. Here are a few more ideas that could be added. 

Reading 

We really implement this during the summer since the kids have so much more time on their hands. Grab our book review template or our FREE book tracker to make logging their reads easy! 

Physical Activity 

We encourage kids to get outside for at least 30 minutes a day. If it’s too cold or the weather doesn’t cooperate we just wait for another day. 

Creative Time 

This can be painting, drawing, crafting, etc. When it comes to activity options, some kids may not be able to decide what to do. In that case, we love writing different activities or prompts on popsicle sticks. Then place them in a jar and just let them draw out one randomly. 

Personal Hygiene 

This is great for younger kids since they usually do not like brushing hair and teeth. 

Family Time 

Set aside a little time each week for just family each week with a board game or just family sharing time.

Summer Chore Chart 

If you are looking for something a little more bright and festive, consider grabbing our summer break screen time checklist. It’s fillable/editable using the free version of Adobe reader! It has regular daily tasks that should be completed at the top, then other things like going outside and reading at the bottom. 

This free printable screen time chart is like a little superhero for families trying to find that sweet spot between tech and life. Let’s face it, at the end of the day, we all need a bit of help managing the digital dance. As you download and print this chart, envision it as a friendly guide, nudging everyone towards a more balanced and intentional approach to screen time. It’s not about restrictions; it’s about fostering healthy habits, building connections, and creating moments that matter. So, here’s to less scrolling, more living, and making memories that won’t fit on any screen. Happy charting!