The kids start getting older, are more capable and can understand contributing to their home... but how can we convince them to help. First thing that comes to mind is to tell them to, just make them. We all know that ends in arguments and nagging, two things I'm sure you aren't a fan of.
A little while ago I decided to test out a new 'chore chart' idea that has been floating around the world of parental tips and tricks (of course we added our own flare). It went quite well, considering these bunnies hadn't really had to do much before this exercise, mainly because I was terrible on reminding them and following through myself. This can be tricky if your children are of different ages. Be aware that you will need to customise the chores and amount given to each child so that it is fair and age appropriate. I found this way of sorting out chores to be less effort for me. I don't have to chase up anything... they just know that if they do it, they get their reward/s.
What you will need:
Paint or coloured pens (choose the amount of colours depending on number of children)
Large paddle pop sticks
2 jars to hold the sticks
Method:
Decide on the chores you want to give your children to do. How many for each child and then do the same for the rewards.
We did the following;
13 Year old 3 chores and 2 rewards
8 Year old - 2 chores and 1 reward
3 Year old - 1 chore and 1 reward
Note: The key is to make the rewards their own, let them decide what they want for a reward and give them a little bit of say over the chores in their pot to help push them along. Also make sure you have plenty of 'free for you' rewards. Make it as fun as possible! See below for some of our 'board game' rewards we came up with;
- Get out of one chore next week
- 30 mins extra TV
- 15 mins extra xbox
- Chore swap
- Double your rewards
Paint one end of the stick in the colour relating to that child and write the chore/reward on the other end. Make sure you don't write the chore/reward too far up the stick or you will find yourself in a pickle.
Place rewards in one pot/jar and the chores in another, with the coloured end of the stick sitting up so they know which one is theirs to pull out.
Before you return the sticks from the current week have them choose the new ones so that the chores and rewards aren't the same every week.
Each week sit down together talk about the week before, then pick out your chores and reward/s. Each child is to keep them in their rooms in their own pot or place in eye's view.
I have always found that following through can be hard, this exercise took the hard work out of the chore debate in our house. They believe I will follow through on the reward and I knew they wanted it. Was almost a board game for chores! Anything that works I say!
Enjoy! And if you do create your own version or have any great ideas of your own, be sure to let us know below! (or you can always join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook!).
C x
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