If only everything in life were fun to do, getting kids to do chores would be a breeze. You can ask, beg and even demand that a child perform a task or behave a certain way, but chances are they will whine, stall or even refuse to do it.
Responsibility and chore charts are a great way for kids to see exactly what their parents expect from them and even help to set a solid routine and teach manners. The more children feel they are involved in making decisions, the more they will feel ownership of those responsibilities. Kids will love to see their progress in fun colors and will respond well to the positive reinforcement from parents. Here are a few efficient but inexpensive chore charts:
This Magnetic Responsibility Chart by Melissa & Doug comes with high marks from parents and kids. It includes simple behavior expectations like share, keep hands to self and say please and chores like set table, take a bath and take care of pet. You can also write in your own tasks and write special words of encouragement on the nifty dry-erase board.
[$15.99 at Arsa Toys]
This I Did My Chores board features a cute bear theme. This set features stickers and tokens that kids can earn after they have deposited a chore card into the “I Did It Box”, items which are guaranteed to please younger kids. The more involved kids can get in a project, the more likely they are to stick with it.
[$12.69 at Arsa Toys]
You may need more than a chart to keep your kids on the right track; try pairing a chart with a small reward, like a treat, allowance or as an added incentive. Or even rewarding making good choices with more choices, like letting the child with the most points pick where the family goes to dinner or which movie to watch. These charts can also be adjusted as your children and their responsibilities grow.
