About ten weeks ago we started chore charts. I knew I needed to teach the kids responsibilities but to be honest I thought it was easier to just do everything rather than put up with the teaching and learning process. Finally I got tired of being the only one working while everyone else played so the chore charts began. I started small with my expectations because I had never asked more than the kids being responsible for their own rooms. Now that everyone is used to doing more I have added additional chores especially since it is summer and we have more time! I have to say that the charts are working! The kids earn a reward every 4 weeks so that helps motivate them. Plus everyone is happier, especially me, when the house is tidier!So here is my system! Every 4 weeks I make a new chart but I have saved the template so it is easy to do. I let the kids choose what they want on the top so they are more excited about it. I laminate the charts and we use dry erase markers to check off the chores each day. The charts go Sunday through Saturday so after one week we total up the points earned, put the total at the bottom, and wipe the week clean so we can start all over again! I add up the total points possible, minus 40-50 points for the 4 weeks because I know it is not possible to be perfect! This sets a goal for the kids to work towards. If they earn their goal points, they get $10. But, if they don't earn their goal points, 10 cents is taken off for each point not earned. So last chart cycle, La-La only earned $6.40 because she was 36 points under her goal. Make sense? Clear as mud? Here is what Jaco's chart looks like! If you click on it, it will enlarge.
For the daily chores, I have an envelope with 12 chores in it and every day the kids pick 4 chores each. They are things like set & clear table, unload dishwasher, feed animals, etc... The weekly chores are those things like wiping down walls, scrubbing bathrooms that need done on a weekly basis. The kids are responsible for 4 of these chores every week.
Just to keep everything fair, I also have a chart! It has done wonders for me. It is amazing how having a list to check off each day motivates me to work. I guess I am just a kid in a grown-up body! If I accomplish my goals, I get to buy a new shirt.
Now I know this is not a perfect system and some days are better than others. But, overall it works and my kids are learning responsibility and preparing to be productive hard working adults!
For the daily chores, I have an envelope with 12 chores in it and every day the kids pick 4 chores each. They are things like set & clear table, unload dishwasher, feed animals, etc... The weekly chores are those things like wiping down walls, scrubbing bathrooms that need done on a weekly basis. The kids are responsible for 4 of these chores every week.Just to keep everything fair, I also have a chart! It has done wonders for me. It is amazing how having a list to check off each day motivates me to work. I guess I am just a kid in a grown-up body! If I accomplish my goals, I get to buy a new shirt.
Now I know this is not a perfect system and some days are better than others. But, overall it works and my kids are learning responsibility and preparing to be productive hard working adults!
3 comments:
what a good system. I like your reward. I'd be motivated by clothes too!
That is awesome! Liv has a chart and it works well also. I like that you made one for yourself, I love new shirts!
Melissa,
I want to see what jobs you do!!! My children think I sit around and do nothing while they do all the work! I guess your kids are nicer than mine. My children think I run a "sweat shop"!!!! Maybe at the next reunion, all our kids can get together and have a nice complain session about how hard we make them work!Good for you!
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