Implementing Chore Lists To Kids Successfully
April 3, 2009 by Hanna08
Do you have trouble getting the kids to do their chores? Perhaps the better question is, who does not? After awhile, you get tired of all the bickering and excuses. Kids mean well, they know they are supossed to do them, but most simply lack the discipline and organizational skills to make it happen. So, you’re the adult, right? Chore lists are an effective management technique that teaches kids both responsibility and time management.
Chore lists are easy to make and implement. Get a piece of posterboard and a pad of newsprint. Staple the newsprint to the posterboard and tape the whole thing to the frig or put it up in the family room. It just needs to be prominently displayed.
Make a list of all the chores required of your kids. Even making their bed and brushing teeth is a chore to a kid, so include those types of tasks. With personal hygiene and bed making, write that childs name beside that entry. Leave all the other items on the chore list blank.
Now let the kids know that it is up to them to sign up for an equal number of chores which they are willing to perform. Explain to them that, in your household, chore lists and individual assignments are decided democratically. That’s hard to argue against.
They vote themselves on which chores they least dislike. This may require negotiations between the kids, but in the end, they will commit to their items on the chore lists. Let them know it’s not cast in stone. If one child decides they actually hate mowing the lawn while another becomes disgusted with doing the dishes after dinner, let them switch. Your only concern is that the chore lists are completed, every day.
Chore list
Most of my chores/scheduling ideas come from the Maxwells book, with just a bit of Flylady. I don't like all her emails, however some of her ideas are good, such as spending a few minutes daily in a different weekly zone.
The master chore list is such a life saver. I don't even have to think about things anymore…just look at my list, do what is listed for that day, and things are getting done in a timely fashion.
Wendy
Your wife may think that she's doing what's best for your daughter but in truth she is doing FAR more harm than good. Your daughter needs to learn responsibility! You wife is working 60 hours a week? That 19 year old should be cleaning the house EVERYDAY – you two should come home to a clean house and dinner being cooked – by the 19 year old. I wouldn't put up with her freeloading for a minute! You need to sit down with your wife and explain that she is HURTING your daughters chances of being a sucessful adult by not giving her any responsibilities – if she doesn't accept it coming from you then I would suggest some counseling so that she can get professional 3rd party input on how she is enabling your daughter to be a lazy good for nothing bum.
I believe in helping your children regardless of their age – but they have to be doing something positive like going to school or working (and saving for their future) or else they need to pay rent and clean house.