Chore Charts…Help!
Having two amazing mini men has been the most rewarding and challenging job of my life, a close second to that would be my job as a children’s photographer. I love them more than anything but getting them to help out around the house is like pulling teeth. They are only 4 and 6 years old so it’s totally understandable that they would rather play than help out around the house…and let’s just be honest, I would rather play than do house work! But this summer, my husband and I have decided is chore chart summer! We are starting chore charts to teach them responsibility. To teach them that in this family we are a team!
So, here we go! There are age appropriate chores that we would like to do all summer, but getting them used to the idea of doing chores everyday is going to be more work for me than if I just did it myself. Here are few things that will be on their list:
Clean their rooms
Pick up toys
Help with laundry – (they can’t reach to put the soap in but they can do everything else)
Load and unload the dishwasher
Pick up dog poop (yes they can do it, they have asked to help before)
Take out the trash
Sweep the floors
Wipe down the tables
Dust
So I’m not talking about making them do anything ridiculous. But how to put it in a chart and get them to actually do it without me having to nag them all. day. long. is another story all together. Now most of the time, I’m pretty good at getting kids to do what I ask. I can make them laugh and giggle. I can get them to show me their real personalities. But when it comes to my own kids(!!) getting them to help me out is sometimes a daunting task. I will say though, that my 6 year old loves having a job, so he is usually willing to help with most things that I ask.
So friends, I’m asking for your help! What are the best charts out there? What have you used in the past? How do you get your kids to help out around the house and teach them responsibility? Do you give them an allowance? How do they earn and learn about money if you don’t give them an allowance? Tell me all your secrets!! I want to know!
your friendly neighborhood alamosa children’s photography
C
This is perfect! I have an almost 2 year old and I’m starting to think about chores. I’m saving this! Thank you!
That’s great! I wish I would have started a chore chart when they were 2!! Of course I made them start cleaning up but nothing consistent or daily. And one of mine has a personality to please and the other will do whatever possible to NOT do what I ask!
Great post! We are a chore family too. We just use boring old lists that I made on our computer. There are so many cute and fun options out there!
I haven’t been a chore chart family but I feel I need to be to get them to stay on task. Maybe at the end of a week give them a prize and at the end of the month something bigger? I don’t know. Just putting it out there so maybe someone wiser than me can throw me some great ideas 🙂
I am only now starting to look at chore charts. I know Melissa and Doug have a nice one that I got my nephew. I think a sticker chart is awesome as you can keep track of numerous charts!
Thanks, Stella! Melissa and Doug has great stuff, I’ll check it out!
I really need to start chore charts for my 6 and 8 year old boys too!!! I want to start a reward system but overwhelmed with the choices…I’ll be following to see what you choose and what other people recommend!
I know! I feel the same way! There are SO many options and I don’t want to be nagging them all summer!! I’ve noticed they do like it better when we call them “jobs” so we’ll definitely be going with that…but that’s all I’ve got so far, ha!
I have a magnetic chore chart that isn’t getting much use. Thanks for reminding me to get on that.
No problem, Mariko. Haha! I do what I can!