I know. You would think that I would have this chore thing nailed by now, but truth be told it's a thorn in my side. A big. Massive. Thorn.
The problem is that my kids don't listen to me. I'm always talking, talking, talking, and it's as if my voice is on mute.
What's wrong with my kids that they don't love to do the chores on their super cute chore charts? I love checking things off my list, it's the best feeling ev-AH, so what's wrong with my kids?
Maybe the chore charts aren't pretty enough? Maybe they're tired of the tokens? Maybe I need to be more enthusiastic? Maybe I don't pay them enough?
Maybe my kids are brats?
Whatever the reason, I'm always changing up the girls' chore system, trying to find that one magic bullet that will solve all my problems.
The truth is, I don't think there is one perfect system that will always work. I think most things work for awhile. And then one day they don't.
It sucks.
Either way, here I am again. Changing it up.
This new system is pretty basic. I just created lists in Microsoft Excel and printed each day on a different color of card stock. The idea is that by having each day on its own card, the list isn't overwhelming, and the girls will be able to get through them quickly.
In theory.
Maybe not so true for Miss Dawdle Pants, aka Stinkerbell.
The little snot who put the grouchy face next to "Help Mom Clean House." Which, by the way, was my sneaky way of putting 6,042 check list items on one line.
I think she knows.
Heh, heh, heh. You will never be done with your chores. Nev-AH!
The chore cards hang by magnetic hooks on the refrigerator. I can always tell whether the girls have done their chores or not by which day is showing. All it takes is one look, and if the chore card hasn't been flipped, I know they haven't done them.
The funny thing is that they have no idea that's how I know whether they've been done. My kids are so naive, they think I have cameras mounted in every room of the house and that I'm spying on them.
I like it that way, so I don't deny it.
Please don't rat me out. They don't read my blog, so as long as I can trust you, we're good.
This is Zoe Bug making breakfast for us last weekend. Peanut Head taught her how to make pancakes, and they're quite delicious.
I could get used to this.
OOH! I love this idea! I shall have to steal it ;-) Boy will never know what hit 'em >:)
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for something new to try for my son. Maybe this will work. :-/
ReplyDeleteSo I know we all have different chores but would you be willing to share your document file so I could use it as a template? Let me know!
ReplyDeleteI will send my email address after you reply :)
ReplyDeleteUnknown, how would you like me to reply? Your Blogger profile sends me into the abyss of the internet.
DeleteLOVE this idea! I do something similar... well, mine aren't as cute as yours... but my issue is, what CONSEQUENCES do they get when they miss a check-box?? Hubby suggests 10 minutes early to bed for every box not checked, and I"m thinking that would be the best consequence ever... there is nothing more torturous to my kids than having to go to bed early. (I only WISH someone would make ME go to bed early...)
ReplyDeleteI think that is a great consequence, Melissa. Honestly, I think I need a consequence for myself when I don't follow up and check that chores have been done.
DeleteI have tried everything possible. I have only found one way that works at my house. I laminated room names (bathroom, kitchen, etc.)and all five of our names. I cut them out and put a magnet on the back. Then I hung them on the fridge. Everyone has one room every week. Plus we all work on laundry and 15 minutes of clean up time in our bedrooms. On Sunday I move the room names clockwise to the next person for the next week.
ReplyDeleteSeems to work for us...
I LOVE this idea. Maybe this way they would think twice and pick up after themselves.
DeleteI like this. I would say one thing.. a few of the chores are worded in a way that may well be too vague for kids. What does 'Help Mom clean house," really mean? I think if you took that one, plus the 'tidy room' one, (those are the 2 that stood out for me) and re-worded them so they are more clear and specific, it would get you further.
ReplyDeleteI'm giggling because I just printed a magnetic chore chart from Martha Stewart DIY tips today. TODAY! And I agree; one idea doesn't work for every family so we have to adapt it. Maybe it's best that you keep changing it. I would think that any reward or chore system would run its course as the kids age/responsibilities change.
ReplyDeleteAlso, kid-made breakfast? THAT is something I can get behind.
I am always looking for the ONE - would you mind sharing your download with me?
ReplyDeleteHow can I get printable copies of something like this?
ReplyDeleteI love this! I have a few questions, what font is this? Do you have a PDF I could use to copy and tweak? Why is it so difficult to find a good chore system that works? Ugh! Way to go...I like this one ;)
ReplyDeleteThe font is Sketch Rockwell. I do not have a pdf of this because I made it a long time ago and it is no longer on my computer. Also, I made it in Excel. I tried to email you, but your email is not tied to your profile.
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