3 Steps to Chore Chart Success

Getting kids to do chores is easier than you think. A chore chart will help hold kids accountable and keep parental nagging at bay! Chore charts can be used with reward systems, allowance or merely as a tracking tool. Kids can track a variety of expectations, whether it’s daily dishes or getting homework done.

Involve kids in making the chore chart.

Chore charts come in a variety of shapes and sizes including weekly chore charts, monthly chore charts and family chore charts. Involve your kids in the process. Let your kids pick out their chart and decide on a way to mark the chart. Have fun picking out stickers, pencils, pens, markers or crayons. Be sure to place the chore chart in a visible area of the house so it’s easily seen and not forgotten! If using a family chore chart, have a family meeting to decide on the chores, chart markers and placement of the chart.

Make sure kids understand how to use a chore chart.

Make sure that kids understand how their chore charts work. Involve them in the process of deciding which chores to track for the week. Talk about what constitutes success. For instance, does “clear your dishes from the table” mean putting them in the sink or in the dishwasher? The more specific the task, the easier it will be for your child to succeed. Make sure that you and your kids are on the same page regarding expectations. And don’t forget that chores for younger kids should be age appropriate!

Decide on a reward system.

Decide on whether you will use a reward system for the chore chart. Some families choose to have family rewards such as a movie night, game night or family outing. That way, kids understand that their participation is connected with a larger family goal. Some parents couple chore charts with allowance or behavior bucks that can be traded in for other types of rewards. And it’s fine to use a chore chart as merely a tracking tool without a reward.

No matter how you choose to use your chore chart, consistency is the key! With time and patience, chore charts can lead kids to becoming more self-reliant and independent. Chore charts can also give kids an incredible sense of accomplishment!