The Chore Chart

I have been trying to come up with a new and creative way to get the kids to want to do chores, and came across MomBabe's creative work here.

So yeah, I stole her idea, modified it just a little to fit and work for us, and came up with this:



You like? So far, I can't believe how well it is working. The basement got cleaned, they are washing their hands, and I am not even fighting with them anymore to go and brush their teeth every morning and night. Bedrooms have been picked up and beds have been made. The thing is, eventually these new ideas wear off and get old and die. But I'm really hoping the incentives will keep them wanting to pick up after themselves, read some books, and turn their socks right side out. That's what the sock graphic is for, in case you were wondering.

Here's how it works: I put a laminated picture of the task in their envelopes. Once they complete the task, they turn the task card around so the back is facing out. When I see the task has been done, although these days I am sure to get their friendly reminders, I take the task card out, put it back in the plastic bin you see at the bottom, and place a star in their individiual envelope. So they can't steal each other's stars, they each have their own color. And the stars are kept out of their reach, obviously.

If they choose not to do the task, or are just being whiny and bratty as they occasionally will do, they can earn themselves a lightning strike, whose color will match their stars. At the end of the week, we will count up stars and strikes. For every strike they might have received, they lose a star, and then whatever stars are left can be redeemed for a prize or allowance. Each star has a monetary value of $.50 so on average, if they were having a really, really good week and earned 20 stars, they'd get $10.

Now, the tasks will evolve and change. I mean, I'm really hoping that in time I don't have to keep paying them to brush their teeth or turn off the lights they left on. And if they keep coming with me to church, maybe some of the God stuff will start to sink in and they will want to have Him in their lives. Baby steps, but I'm sure we'll get there eventually.

I guess MomBabe's chart isn't working and she is going to change it. Too bad. Give me a week, and I'll let you know if mine was a flop, too. In the meantime, I may be sharing my meager paycheck with the boys, but at least I'm not finding inside out socks all over the house.

1 comment:

  1. I'm glad it's working for you! I swear, it's the 2 year old that's killing my system.

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