Chore Chart

      I broke down and created a chore chart today. Next week my schedule will kick into hyper-drive and I'm feeling the pressure now to get everything planned and "perfect" before it begins. Of course, I don't plan to actually achieve perfection, but a little organization does wonders for my motivation. The tasks on this chart reflect what my children have already been doing for months, but I hoped to allow a little more room for responsibility and personal growth and a little less of me nagging them to get things done.

      I sat down with the girls and discussed what we'd be doing. We talked about being responsible and ways they could help out around the house. While I drew the chart and cut out the little velcro pieces that are crucial to the plan, the girls came up with their "chores" and drew corresponding pictures.

      I also took this time to COMPLETELY sugar-coat the word "chores." I told them that chores help them learn about responsibilty and help the family to operate. I gave them examples of chores that we adults do and gave examples of what would happen if no one contributed. For example, if no one took out the trash we couldn't have friends over because our house would smell too bad. The sillier the example the more they liked the idea.

      Being master manipulator Mom, creating a positive vibe around chores was my first tactic, and creating space for me to throw in my own "special" chores was my second. They have a list of Every Day Chores on one side (which, again, they are already doing) and the other side houses the Special Chores. Every Day Chores are currently making their bed, brushing their teeth, dressing themselves, picking up toys, and watering the plants. Right now, "special" chores include picking up dog doo-doo and taking out the bathroom trash. These will be placed next to their name only when the need arises. I am planning on taking full advantage of the extra spaces under Special Chores and adding my own little pictures as I see fit.

      When they complete a task they move the chore from the "To do" to the "Done" column. Right now I have expressed that we will have a morning chore time and an afternoon chore time and these are their oppurtunities to finish their responsibilites. I am in no way awarding or punishing for the completion or incompletion of their duties. I think it's important that they understand working together as a family is simply a duty that must be done daily.

       Aubree chose a daily chore to pick up shoes at the end of the day. I was very surprised and impressed when she came up with this all on her own. Children love to help, and encouragement and enthusiam is really all they need for a reward in my opinion. Raulee insisted that I make a space for "Ants" on her chore chart. I have no idea what she intends to do with "Ants" but if it is important for her to accomplish regularly then it's important for me to remind her to do it.

      At this point, I see no problem implementing this technique because they are used to doing these helpful tasks. It will just be easier for me to say, "Check your chore chart," than, "Why haven't you made your bed yet?! Why are you still in pajamas?! Why are these toys everywhere?!" or, "Why haven't you taken care of your ants today?!"