How easy-peasy, right? You're probably all peeved that you even read this far, huh? Seriously, unless your kids are responsible for more than four items each day, this system works! My own kids have things they have been trained to do, like brushing teeth and stuffing dirty laundry, that I expect without neon-card reminding. This simple system is for those chores that I need done each and every day: feeding the outdoor cat and chickens, wiping down the bathrooms, folding laundry, washing dishes, etc., et cetera. How did I do it, you might (not) ask?
START WITH THE WEE ONES
I dole out chores to my wee one before I consider anyone else. Of what is he capable? Am I not asking enough of him? Am I asking too much?
LET THEM OWN IT
In a pack of four neon index cards, I let my kids pick their own color. Then we talked about the chores being assigned, after which I nearly fell to the floor from the odd enthusiasm they displayed.
POST IT
I placed ours in a convenient location. When a chore is completed and checked, the child turns over the card to the blank side. When that child asks for a privilege like computer-time or playing outdoors with neighborhood friends, they and I both know whether or not they have the freedom to do it. Love that.
CHECK IT
As with any habit, I have to follow-up. I make sure that the chore was done according to clear standards, written on the card if necessary, before that child can turn it over. As with any other habit or system, if I don't stay connected to it, it will fall apart as soon as the newness of it wears off. So far, it's working (again).
PRAISE & REWARD
My kids race to get their chores done now. The system is a tangible display of what is expected. It's a bar raised high enough for them to reach and they need me to notice. So, when one of them bounds over to me filled with delight that their chores are done before 10AM, I indeed make a show of it, and the next day she shoots for 9:45AM.
Another option I employ is offering each week a few odd cards for [sweat-shop] pay. These are chores that don't fall under anyone's particular realm, or ones which I wish could get done, if I only had enough time.
Another option I employ is offering each week a few odd cards for [sweat-shop] pay. These are chores that don't fall under anyone's particular realm, or ones which I wish could get done, if I only had enough time.
CONSEQUENCES
To deal with a less-than-diligent child, I've found that, in lieu of reminding him to complete his chores, not receiving the freedom to watch a movie along with us has served its purpose well enough. But sometimes, I have slipped an extra card onto the rack of a procrastinator as "extra-practice." Thankfully, this has been a rare occurrence so far!
There you have it ... and for free.
How do you keep the chaos under control? Share your ideas by posting a link in the comments!
Oh my gosh...I am going to try this!! My kids definitely need to pitch in more!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! It's an ongoing probem isn't it! My kids tend to disperse so quickly after lunch and it's a bit of an effort to call them back. I have to be more consistent with putting off the priveleges until all the jobs are done, and checking they're done properly. This looks like a good system!
ReplyDeleteWe have a job chart with the chores evenly distributed amongst the six children. I often have to remind them, though, so the card idea might work here.
ReplyDeleteI like your follow-through system. We use Titus 2's "Managers of their Chores."
ReplyDeleteYou can see it up close and personal in our home here:
http://barefootvoyage.blogspot.com/2009/04/managing-chores.html
It really helped to get my own chores written out - though I have a list and not a card pack.
HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this idea...TIme to run out and get some index cards! = )
Cheryl