You Pinspire Me
I’ve always been meaning to get our kids on a job system, but never got around to it. It seemed like too much work. Charts, rewards, magnetic boards, etc. But a few weekends ago, while I was at a get-together with my university friends, I was inspired by my friend Christine’s simple chore chart. One job for each child to complete after supper. She said it was working really well, so I thought I’d try this job chart for kids.
I created a little chart on scrap paper, also adding one morning job along with the evening job. I wrote the initials in pencil so I can change it whenever I’d like. I’m thinking we might do 2 weeks or so before changing. I also made a little list of jobs that everyone is expected to do no matter what. You can make this a nice as you’d like – markers, or a whiteboard, or computer (head to www.pinterest.com for lots of great ideas), but I just wanted to get it done. I posted it on the fridge where everyone can refer to it.
We don’t reward our kids for doing chores – we expect the kids to participate as a part of the family. I always make a point to “inspect” their work and praise them for a job well done, or give gentle reminders about what still needs to be done.
It has been working really well for us. Things get done on a regular basis. No one complains because it’s just one job and you just have to do it. And I am happy because the shoes are always neat. The floor gets swept by someone other than me.
Do you have any ideas for chore systems or job chart for kids? Do you reward the kids, or do they just do the jobs because they are a part of the family?
Marya R
Latest posts by Marya R (see all)
- Earache Remedy - January 9, 2018
- Non-toxic All-Purpose Cleaner - December 1, 2017
- EASIEST Oven Fries (and healthy too!) - November 24, 2017
Great idea – I wish I’d done this with my kids when they were growing up. Then they might not be so bad at doing chores now.
🙂
I didn’t keep a list but my children knew what chores they had. They were given a small allowance for doing them and we took turns on Friday’s picking out our favorite place to eat.
That’s a great idea!
GREAT idea! I’ve been struggling with how to be more structured with chores with my youngest, little Mack, who is 8. I’m sure he’d like having a simple list, instead of a frustrated Mom constantly reminding him about chores. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
It really does work because of the simplicity. And you can change it up or add more eventually, but it works to get them started!
Nice! I am going to try this right away! We are on our first day of summer here and already I feel like I am going crazy! 🙂 (I know we are just in the adjustment stage)
I will let you know how it goes.
Also! When we were in the dollar store today, I bought some of those “magic erasers” you had a post about a little while ago. I cut them in half and then got a little addicted… So many things that I never knew could use a little “pick-me-up!” My kitchen looks great 🙂
Thanks for the tip!
Aren’t those erasers great? I scrubbed down my kitchen today, and you’re right – it’s a little addicting! Hope the jobs go well with your kids, and can’t wait to see you guys soon!
Love it! It teaches them responsibility and helps keep track of their chores.
This came in at the right time… my wife told my son he better make a chart cause all he does is sit by the computer all day… and we are not having that during the summer.
Perfect timing! Happy summer!
This is a really good idea. It has been a hassle to get my daughters to do their chores. Also I don’t reward them because it is their responsibility to do it.
I agree with the responsibility!
I agree, the reward for doing things around the house is a clean house to live in and a few words of praise.
Looks like a good system to use. I make lots of charts and lists for myself, and I think this will help my nephew stay on track and motivated as well. BTW – I love your blog name!
Thanks! 🙂 Hope it helps!
My daughter has a traumatic brain injury and she can’t read (almost!) at 10 (will be 11 in August). So, I do make a picture board. Due to her brain injury– I have to remind her a lot, and the picture board is in steps so she doesn’t confused or overwhelmed. I do reward her but not in the sense most people think of when it comes to rewards- but like time with the iPad, a snack, etc. It is her responsibility but I mean- don’t we kind of reward ourselves when we complete our tasks? (i.e., relax with a coffee, maybe some TV time, etc.)
That’s true – we do reward ourselves! I’ve never thought about it like that. Enjoy your summer!
I am so excited to find someone like me! I don’t reward my kids for chores. They are part of their responsibility at home. They love doing their chores and BELIEVE IT OR NOT… sometimes “punishment” is they don’t get to help. Kids love to contribute and be a part of our world!
PS- I also have a chart for each one of us that has checklists of our daily activities.
Great parenting tip. Bravo for not rewarding them. house chores are a responsibility every person must learn to do. sadly not many parents can impose this rule on the house..
This is great. My 6 year old has only two jobs and that is keep his room and playroom clean and empty all the trash in the house. He does pretty good. He always cleans up after he is done playing partly because he hates clutter.
That’s a good way to introduce them into doing chores.
We used to have job charts when I grew up and we found them really useful. My mom felt the same way – it was our responsibility!
I think these are great charts for family with kids! I have a 2 & 3 yr old so I make them pick up their toys and bring laundry to the washer!
Thanks so much for linking up with Teach Me Tuesday @3GLOL last week. Your link up is very much appreciated! Hope to see you again this week. Starts tonight @8pm CST. http://3glol.net/2014/06/30/teach-tuesday/
Have a great day!