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Free printableFree printable reward chart for kids
Type a goal and a reward, pick 10 to 30 stars, tap a star to fill it in, then print the chart on one US Letter page. No sign-up, nothing saved. The American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) suggests star charts and chore lists as a way to make expectations clear.
Tap a star to fill it in on screen. In the print dialog choose Letter, Landscape, and turn off headers and footers.
Star Chart
My goal:
When the stars are full I get:
familychorebuddy.com
How do I use a reward chart?
Pick one small behavior at a time, such as brushing teeth without being asked. The American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) advises spelling out exactly what is expected, posting a star chart or chore list where the child sees it, and introducing one new task at a time. Every time the job is done, your child fills a star and you praise the effort. When the stars are full, the reward happens.
How many stars should it take?
Match the wait to the child. Preschoolers do best with a short chart, and ten stars gets a reward within a couple of weeks of daily effort. Older children can handle 20 or 30 stars, or a chart that covers a month. If the child loses interest halfway, the chart is too long, so shorten it.
What makes a good reward?
- Time: choose the family movie, a bike ride with a parent, an extra bedtime story.
- Experiences: a trip to the library or park, a special breakfast, baking together.
- Small things: a sticker sheet, a new book, picking dinner.
The AAP says tangible rewards like allowances and stickers can be tied to completed chores, and that praise for effort matters most. Agree the reward before you start, and give it when the chart is full.
When should we move from stars to an allowance?
When your child understands that coins are worth something and can wait for payday, usually around school age. Keep the star chart for habits and start a small weekly allowance for chores: see how much allowance by age, and chores by age for what to ask. For a full week of chores, use the weekly chore chart.
Common questions
Is the reward chart free?
Yes. Type your child's goal and reward, then print. No sign-up, and nothing you type is sent or stored.
How many stars should a reward chart have?
For young children, fewer stars means a sooner reward: 10 is a good start. Move to 20 or 30 for older kids who can wait longer.
Do reward charts work?
The AAP lists star charts and chore lists as a way to make expectations clear, and says tangible rewards like stickers can be tied to completed chores. Praise for effort matters more than the prize.
What are good rewards that are not money or toys?
Choosing the family movie, a special breakfast, an extra bedtime story, a trip to the park, or one-on-one time with a parent.