Chore lists are a household management technique
Do you have trouble getting the kids to do their chores? Perhaps the better question is, who doesn’t? After awhile, you get tired of all the bickering and excuses. Kids mean well, they know they’re 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 child’s name beside that entry. Leave all the other items on the chore list blank.
Next, get everyone together. Be prepared for moans and groans. "I know I’m supposed to brush my teeth!" Explain to the child that if a task is necessary, but doesn’t always get done, it warrants an entry on the chore lists. When the task has been done every day for a month, you’ll remove it.
Now let the kids know that it’s 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’ll 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.
You must also grant for specific days that a child can’t complete a chore. School activities, such as a play rehearsal or sports event may interfere. Once again, the kids decide. Now’s the time to exchange favors. You do the dishes tonight and I’ll mow the lawn tomorrow.
Chore lists can teach kids to get along better. Otherwise, when a chore exchange is necessary, they may not have any takers. You’ll soon find this simple technique is effective and they won’t need reminding any more.
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