Our Chore System... explained

Ok, so I've had many inquiries about our newly created chore chart.

So... I thought I'd explain.

Warning... prepare yourself for a long blog...

Over the years we've tried different ways to encourage the kids to help around the house.

And... nothing has ever worked.

I'd start something with stickers or check marks...

And we'd pay for chores that were never completed.

When one chore system failed, we'd try another one...

Until it vanished as well.

We'd wonder... how can we make this work?

When all of our systems failed the kids went without allowance for a while.

They kept wanting to buy things, but they had no money...

Which was very sad for them.

We found that it has a lot to do with their age...

They couldn't grasp the concept when they were younger.

But now that they are older... they get it.

We discussed sharing family responsibilities,

The importance of taking care of our home,

And being good stewards of what God has blessed us with.

We discussed the purpose of getting an allowance,

And the difference between our everyday responsibilities and chores.

We believe that chores build character,

And cultivate responsibility.

Not only in contributing around the house,

But also in handling the money they earn.

Ok, so here's how it works...

I wanted to make it fun and colorful, so I got a piece of scrapbook paper,

And color coded the 'daily' chores blue and brown, and 'weekly' chores cream colored.

On Sunday evening we assign chores.

The first week I assigned the chores.

The second week they randomly drew their chores.

This week I arranged them myself again.

(I'm still experimenting with what works best.)

I have found that both kids have their strengths with certain chores,

So I try to mix them as even as possible.

Sometimes I struggle to patiently monitor and teach them to do the chores,

But I refrain from just doing them quickly myself, since I am trying to build character.

Taking deep breaths...

The chores are marked each day.

If they are completed, they are marked with an 'x'.

If they are not completed, they are marked with a 'dot'.

Life lesson... If you work, you get paid. If you do not work, you do not get paid.

Duh, right...

At the end of the week (Sunday night for us) we look to see how many chores were completed.

If the majority of the chores are completed each day we give them $1 per chore.

If chores are not consistently completed, they don't get paid for that chore.

They have the ability to earn $5 per week.

(We are going to add Extra Chores so they can earn more if they choose.)

When they are paid, they have to sort their money.

A dollar goes into their 'giving' envelope - to take to church.

A dollar goes into their 'savings' envelope - to take to the bank.

And the remaining goes into their wallet - to take to the store.

Chore systems take commitment from everyone.

(And quite a bit of monitoring from mom.)

But now that we're finishing our 3rd week of this system,

We're all getting the hang of it.

(And mom is enjoying not having to do everything myself anymore!)

Ashlyn is showing more responsibility, with some occasional reminders.

But truthfully, she'd much rather be playing outside anyway - plain and simple.

Gavin is totally motivated by money.

If money is involved he is there, ready to help.

He loves to count his money and figure out what his next purchase is going to be.

He is constantly giving me updates about how much money he has on any given day.

Ashlyn enjoys a full wallet, but would rather play with her friends than go shopping.

And now... we're headed out the door to the store!

I don't believe that our chore system is rocket science, but it works for us.

If you are struggling with chores around your house,

I hope our system sparks an idea that will work for your family.

And watch out, if you have a child like Gavin, they're sure to make a dent in your bank account.

We just added a $40 expense to our monthly budget, minimum.

But it's oh so worth it!

Good luck!

LISTS:

Our list of everyday responsibilities...

This list is just a reminder, not as chores they get paid for.

Posting this list helps them stay on track and prevents nagging from mom!

Morning...

1. Get dressed.

2. Put away jammies.

3. Brush hair.

4. Make bed.

5. Eat breakfast.

6. Pack Lunch/Water bottle.

7. Pack backpack/Blue folder.

8. Brush teeth.

After School...

1. Unpack backpack/Blue folder.

2. Unpack lunch/Water bottle.

3. Snack.

4. Homework.

5. Free-time.

6. Eat dinner.

Bedtime...

1. Shower.

2. Put on jammies.

3. Put away dirty clothes.

4. Brush teeth.

5. Clean up room.

6. Read.

Our list of daily chores...

These are rotated each week.

1. Set the table.

2. Clear the table.

3. Load the dishwasher.

4. Empty the dishwasher.

5. Feed and water the dog.

6. Take out the recycling.

Our list of weekly chores...

These are rotated each week.

1. Take out the trash - as needed through the week and the night before trash day.

2. Clean the bathroom.

3. Dust.

4. Vacuum.

Our list of extra chores...

This gives them the opportunity to earn more money if they choose.

1. Help with laundry.

2. Sweep out the garage.

3. Pick up dog poop in the backyard.

4. Give the dog a bath.

5. Water flowers and plants.

6. Help plan menu and grocery list.