What kind of chore chart system do you have for you child(ren)?

Jennifer - posted on 05/27/2011

We don't have any type of chart. My kids get an allowence for doing their chores. My oldest two are 6 and 7, so they can help out quite a bit. My 7 year old takes the trash out, feeds the outside cat, puts his own clothes away, makes his own bed, and picks up toys. My 6 year old, feeds the inside cat, puts her, and the younger 2 kids' clothes away, makes her own bed, and helps pick up toys. My third child is only 3, so he only has to make his own bed (not very pretty, but he'll get it some day), and picks up toys. They each earn $1 every week for doing those things. Then, on top of those, they can earn extra money. Like, if they are outside and want to pull weeds out of the flower bed, or if they straighten up the living room, or help scrub the kitchen floor, and we base "pay" on whether it was something they did without us having to ask, and how difficult it was. I know it isn't much money, but it's enough that they are really learning to appreciate how hard they have to work for it. It's a lesson in money management along with getting them to do chores. I have never heard one complaint about doing chores since we started doing this.

Bridgette - posted on 05/27/2011

Make each of them a seperate chart with fair chores for their age, and when they get enough of them they get a reward (again, maybe different rewards for each). The only thing I suggest is that the rewards not be cheap or small. Instead of only a few chores for a dollar store toy, have them complete 10 chores and allow a movie night, day at the park, etc. Can also put some bigger rewards (day at zoo, new toy, clothes, etc) and make them collect more stickers for it. The goal is to have rewards that they dont normally get, mostly ones that involve them in something they really want to do and, at thier ages, is something that makes them feel more mature by earning it.

And I do have to say that if the rewards dont work right away, take away some of the kids favorite things, like video games, TV, etc and make those items part of the rewards - they need to earn the time!

Hope what I said was clear, going on not a lot of sleep, but either way good luck!!

Katherine - posted on 05/27/2011

I had a magnetic Melissa and Doug reward chart that worked very nicely. It had magnetic stickers too. You never want to remove a sticker though. Make it so they do it 3 days in a row and get a movie night or something.

Louise - posted on 05/27/2011

Your 4 year old is a little young to be doing housework but keeping there room tidy and laundry in the basket. At 7.5 this is getting into laying the table territory and vacuuming for you. Make a reward chart for them but make chores achievable for there age. Do not expect much from them and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Katherine - posted on 05/27/2011

Reward chart all the way!!!!!