How to Create a Chore Chart That REALLY Works

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How to Create a Chore Chart that Really Works - Printable Included - Columbia SC Moms Blog

I love a house that looks and smells clean. When I only had one child I couldn’t rest at night in my apartment if I had a dirty dish in my sink. You see, I am the oldest of four girls so throughout childhood I always had to share and nothing was ever really mine. So when I finally had my own place – I wanted it clean and I wanted to be proud of it. Fast forward to a husband and three more kids later I assure you I don’t loose sleep over a spoon!

I am a stay-at-home wife and mother. Because my husband is the sole financial provider for our family and works very hard, long hours so I can stay home with our children, I handle the household responsibilities. It can feel pretty overwhelming when you think about everything that goes into keeping a house clean (not to mention adding active kids to the mix).

I realized I am NOT the house maid and my children needed to learn some responsibility. Family is supposed to help one another, not make life harder. Therefore I created a chore chart for each of my “big kids” (ages 13, 11 and 10) to help our household run smoothly.

Below is the chart we use in our household. I have seen some lavish and expensive chore charts, but an Excel spreadsheet works for us!

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5 Rules for Creating an Effective Chore Chart

It must to be visible!

It is important for your chore list to be a visual aid to your children so there is no miscommunication or misunderstanding about the chores and expectations. Kids can remember when you promised them ice cream or a trip to Frankie’s Fun Park but if you expect them to remember when you told them to fold the laundry – yeah right! Our chart is posted on the refrigerator for everyone to see.

Make sure they understand what you expect.

When I first made a chore chart two years ago, I listed exactly what had to be completed for each task. For example, “Laundry” means sorting all laundry items by dark, light, and towels. When it is clean it needs to be folded AND put away. I don’t understand people who wash laundry and wad it up in a clothes hamper. I hardly ever iron. I hate ironing. So when our clothes are finished drying we immediately either fold or hang them and put them away.

Have a reward system.

This does not mean you have to pay your kids money for doing their chores. In fact, I encourage you not to pay at all. Chores are a family responsibility. Do you get paid for doing chores? When they get older is someone going to pay them for cleaning their own house? Probably not. In our home my kids are not allowed to touch electronics until their chores and school work are complete (unless they need it for homework, then of course they can use their electronic at the kitchen table). Once they finish they are free to play on their electronics for 30 minutes to an hour. Electronic time is a great reward for doing chores because it is earned.

Mean what you say and say what you mean.

At the bottom of our chore chart is a list of electronic rules. The rules need to be appropriate for the ages of your children. You and your spouse need to discuss what boundaries you want your children to have on electronics, especially with apps and internet access. Protecting your children from predators and cyber bullies should be your #1 concern.

Chores need to be age-appropriate.

Mom, no one knows better than you what chores your children know how to do. My 18 month old helps unload our dryer and wipe down our kitchen table. My big kids help me wash and vacuum our family van. Here are some general age-appropriate chores for kids (free printable included):

 

Age Appropriate Chores for Kids - Columbia SC Moms Blog

Keeping a clean house is easy when a family helps each other to get the job done! What additional tips have worked for your family?

 

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