Have you ever created a behavior or chore-chart for your kids? I have attempted this task several times, to always fail. Yet my children need routine and reminders – that is just how it is and I need them to have routine and me harping on them less. In my endless research for the perfect behavior/chore chart I am realizing that there is no one size fits all. There is no template that seems to work for everyone. Creating a simple yet effective chart is all that is needed. You do not need fancy/costly apps or fancy white boards/chalkboards or expensive ordered charts/templates. A simple list created in a word processing program will suffice. Heck, clip it to a clipboard and hang it in an accessible spot is fancy enough.
Some tips and important things to note when creating a chore chart for kids:
- Ensure that the list of tasks asked is reasonable and age appropriate
- Make it fun. ie instead of saying chores, call them missions.
- Let kids listen to music while doing chores
- Let them find their own way of doing the chores so that they have fun and feel ownership. ie. let them make decisions on where some things go or what is being made for a meal
- Let kids make their own schedule to get stuff done – just make sure that you have reasonable time limits for completing each task. Ie. collecting and taking out the garbage should take 15 min.
- Ensure your boundaries and expectations are clear
- Give instructions in clear short sentences
- Ensure that there is a consistent routine each week/day
- Reduce privileges ie. they cant go out/play until the chores are done
- explain that you expect them to do it without asking, that if you have to remind them more than once then you will deduct time/money/rewards earned and/or have house fines for chores not completed
- Use a timer to reinforce time expectations
- Remind children that they live here too and as a member of the family they have to take ownership of the clutter and mess too
- Allow for opportunities to earn extra rewards/money
Rewards
The type of rewards you choose to offer will depend on your children’s motives. Perhaps they are motivated by time on electronics, treats, certain toys or items or cold hard cash. It is not a good idea to offer family-time as a reward as that is something that should not have to earned.
Routine
To help make mornings and bedtimes go smoother, some additional items you might want to include in a chart are:
Morning
- Brush teeth
- Brush hair
- Get dressed for the day
- Take medication/vitamins
- Go to the washroom
- Eat breakfast
- Make lunch for school
- Pack your school backpack
Evening
- Brush teeth
- Put Pjs on
- Go to the washroom
- Brush hair
- Complete homework
Do you have effective chore/behavior chart tips that have worked for you?
Please share in the comments below.
