Chore Chart for Teens
Teens can run most of a household. This chart gives each teen a clear set of weekly chores they own, with real responsibilities instead of kid jobs.
How teen chore charts are different
A chart for a 6-year-old is about habits. A chart for a 15-year-old is about ownership. Teens push back against being told what to do every day, but most accept owning a job for the week and doing it on their own schedule.
That is why this chart uses one owner per chore. Each teen gets a set of chores for the week. Swap the owners every Sunday so the bathroom does not belong to the same person forever.
Chores that fit teens
The American Academy of Pediatrics lists these chores for teens (AAP):
- Vacuum the shared rooms
- Clean the kitchen after meals
- Wash and vacuum the car
- Mow the lawn, weed, rake and shovel snow
- Take care of pets
- Grocery shop, once they drive
- Help with and watch younger siblings
Add the skills they will need when they move out: doing their own laundry, cooking one family dinner a week, and planning a grocery list.
Tips for getting teens on board
- Let them choose. Show the full list and let each teen pick first in turn. Choice reduces resistance.
- Agree on a deadline, not a time. "Bathroom clean by Saturday noon" works better than "Clean it now".
- Check the result, not the method. Teens care about autonomy. Judge the result, and let them choose how to get there.
- Connect chores to privileges. The car, a later curfew or a phone plan are natural rewards for a teen who carries real responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
What chores should a teenager do?
The American Academy of Pediatrics lists vacuuming shared areas, cleaning the kitchen after meals, washing the car, mowing, weeding, shoveling snow, pet care, grocery shopping once they drive, and watching younger siblings.
Should teens still do chores if they have a job?
Yes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. A part-time job after 16 does not cancel household chores. Agree on a smaller list during busy weeks instead.
Should I pay my teen for chores?
Many families split chores into two groups: daily chores everyone does as part of the family, and extra jobs that earn money. See our guide to allowance by age for typical amounts.