10 Before 10: Summer Checklist for Kids

A simple summer checklist for kids to boost productivity, reduce screen time, and start mornings off right. (Because no one wants their kids turning into screen zombies by 10:03 AM.)

Summer is a magical time for kids—no school, no homework, and the sweet, sweet freedom of staying in pajamas until noon. But if you’re like me, you’ve seen how quickly that “freedom” can spiral into feral.

One of the best ways to fight off the summer slumps and create a sense of routine (without being the Fun Police) is to give your kids a checklist of small, manageable tasks to complete before 10 AM.

I call it: 10 Before 10.

Similar to the 10 Before 10 list I use each morning for myself, this checklist is a simple solution to those messy, lazy days of summer.

Each morning, I outline seven non-negotiable tasks that set the tone for our day. Then, I leave room for three additional tasks that change depending on what our day looks like. This keeps things flexible while still giving us a solid morning routine to rely on.

It’s not about being strict or packing the morning full of chores. It’s about creating rhythm and productivity—so then they can play, chill, and yes… even earn that coveted screen time.

Daily 7 (The Non-Negotiables)

These are the seven things we try to accomplish every single morning:

1. Make Your Bed
   Start the day by tidying up your sleep zone. It takes less than two minutes and magically makes the whole room look cleaner.
2. Get Dressed
   Yes, actual clothes. Pajamas are for sleeping, not snacking on Goldfish at 9:00 AM while watching YouTube Shorts.
3. Eat Breakfast
   Fuel up! Bonus points for something with protein so we’re not hangry by 10:01.
4. Brush Teeth + Hair
   Basic hygiene = basic respect for yourself and the rest of the family. Please and thank you.
5. Say a Prayer / Quiet Time
   This can be a short prayer, a scripture verse, write in your journal, or just 2 minutes of peaceful stillness before chaos begins.
6. Read for 10–20 Minutes
   From chapter books to comic books—anything goes! Reading helps minds stay sharp (and gives you a quiet house for a little longer).
7. Help With 1 Chore
   It doesn’t have to be a big one! Feed the dog, unload the dishwasher, wipe down the bathroom counter. Just something that contributes to the household.

The Flexible 3

Every day, I add three extra tasks to their list based on what needs to get done, or what I think they’d have fun doing. These can be personal, home-related, or family-related. Some examples:

1. Go Outside (Even Briefly)
   Check the weather, breathe fresh air, water a plant, ride your bike, do sidewalk chalk. Morning sunshine = mood booster.
2. Move Your Body
   Dance party, jump rope, yoga, trampoline time—whatever gets their wiggles out and blood flowing.
3. Create Something
   Build with LEGOs, draw, bake something, write a story, build a fort… anything that requires imagination over a screen.
4. Listen to Music or an Audiobook
   Give their ears something fun that isn’t YouTube. Bonus: helps build vocabulary and imagination.
5. Do a Puzzle or Brain Teaser
   Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, or even a few riddles can get those brains buzzing.
6. Organize One Small Space
   A drawer, toy bin, or backpack—something tiny that gives them a win and helps you out too.
7. Try a New Recipe or Snack
   Kids love helping in the kitchen! Let them make a smoothie, bake muffins, or create a snack plate.
8. Learn Something New
   Teach them how to sew a button, fold a fitted sheet, or look up a fun fact. Mini life skills FTW!
9. Do a Kind Deed
   Make a card for a neighbor, help a sibling, clean up without being asked. A little kindness goes a long way.
10. Water the Plants or Garden
    Outdoor chores that double as science and responsibility practice? Yes, please.

You can mix and match these throughout the week or let your kids choose from a “menu” each day.

How It Works in Our House:

• I print the list, laminate it, and stick it on our office bulletin board. (Putting it on the fridge works, too!)
• Each kid checks off their 10 tasks with a dry erase marker.
• Screens don’t even become an option until their list is done—no arguments, no negotiation.

Why It Works:

Kids thrive with structure, even when they pretend not to. A simple checklist gives them a sense of accomplishment, autonomy, and motivation—all before the clock strikes 10. And let’s be honest, it makes the whole house feel calmer too.

Grab Your Printable 10 Before 10 Summer Checklist

I’ve got a free printable version of the 10 Before 10 for Kids checklist you can hang up at home.

Enter your name and email in the form above for immediate access to the blank printable, OR, for the editable Canva template that you can customize with your own tasks, CLICK HERE.

Here’s to more productive mornings, less screen chaos, and a summer full of fun + intentional moments.

If you give this a try, tag me on Instagram (@SomewhatSimpleLiving) — I’d love to see your kiddos rocking their mornings!

Looking for the original summer chore chart? Grab it here: