Thursday, August 13, 2009

How we use the chore chart...

How could I have forgotten this part of my post?

Here is how I've used the chore chart over the past few weeks since we implemented it.

* The charts are mounted on the wall near our pantry. I keep the little box of chore sticks nearby.
* Each day (except Sunday) I assign chores for the day. I usually switch around who helps for dinner, sets the table and cleans up, etc...
* As they finish their chores each day - they get the happy face stick on their chart at the end of each day. I usually remove the chores from their charts throughout the day so they can see what still needs to be done. I haven't given them much access to the chore sticks because I don't want them to get lost!

So far, I have not let them pick the chores they do - though I have taken into account who prefers to do which things or who is capable of doing certain things.

Here is an example of what is on their charts today:

Emily:
* Put laundry away
* Clean toilet
* Wipe off table
* Set table for breakfast

Rachel:
* Put laundry away
* Give Katie food and water
* Set table
* Help in garden

Each morning after breakfast, it is their responsibility to brush teeth, make beds and get dressed (with help if needed). It varies when we do our chores throughout the day - but most of the chores I've chosen to assign are things they can do without supervision. So, I can send them each to do one thing and still be available to supervise both.

I did not take the photos I used on the cards - I found all the graphic photos in Microsoft Word clip art.

Hope that helps!

10 comments:

Wendi said...

Great minds think alike! This is similar to what I am using. Thanks for including the list of chores. So far the list we have is very limited, but it is working out so well that I am wanting to expand it.

Blissful & Domestic said...

that was awesome I was wondering how you use it with them. I am so inspired! Thanks Monica

Marie said...

Oh, I remember those years long ago when I had chore charts. I placed mine on the front of the refrigerator. They worked really well. The kids talk about them now sometimes when we are together. Our daughter says she always had more to do than her "little" brother.

Virginia said...

The chore charts are really cute! I may have to do something like this for my girls who are 3 1/2 and 4 1/2. I only have one question: You have your child clean the toilets?! Lol, maybe I'm just a germ-a-phobic! I couldn't imagine my 4 1/2 year old cleaning our toilets!

Great list of chores though, thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I cannot imagine how a child can "clean" a toilet well enough to be sufficient -- not to mention having a child around germs from a toilet and cleaning products at such a young age. Is it really hard for you or your husband to clean a toilet?? Can't you give your child another chore like put toys away, bring the mail in, put clothes in a dryer, empty dishwasher -- is that so hard to come up with??

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing...Monica! I think I'm going to do this!

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

I'm right there with Virgina and Anonymous on the toilet cleaning question...

I've spent so long keeping my little ones out of the bathroom specifically for the toilet reason and then...
I don't know. I'm Just curious, too. Maybe you feel safe(r) because of the type of cleaning agents you choose?

All in all... the chore chart is Absolutely a wonderful thing. I am hanging on to the idea, for sure.

Monica Wilkinson said...

Hmmm - I'm a bit surprised at the toilet cleaning comments. I often help her with this - and I do use natural cleaners. I don't have Rachel do this yet. We've also talked about washing her hands after she cleans it.

It certainly is not too hard for me to clean - but it is something she can do and I'm helping her learn how to do these things.

This is one of those risks of sharing what each of us do in our own homes, this works for us. If it doesn't work for you - you know what works best for you, your home and your preferences.

Monica

Virginia said...

Maybe I should clarify my comment. The reason I asked was not because of harsh cleaners or because she might not get it clean enough but because of the germs. A toilet has terrible, terrible bacteria on it. Studies have shown that every time you flush a toilet, bacteria is thrown up to 12 feet in the air. ((shudder)) and I try to keep my kids away from this rather than encouraging them to touch it. Yes, I know they are cleaning it not touching it--that's just my opinion and I don't think at 4 my kids are ready to clean toilets (maybe when they are older and can use gloves!). As you said, each family's choice.


I must say I'm sorry if I came off the wrong way. I sure didn't mean anything by it! I read your blog frequently and truly enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

I really don't think the cleaning the toilet thing is anyone's business. I had to clean the bathroom when I was younger and I'm just fine. In fact it taught me how to clean and keep clean. Take it with a grain of salt. Love your chart ideas!