Setting up a System for Chores
Involve kids in the discussion
Research shows that kids are more likely to stick with a plan if they have a say in developing it. Let your children participate in discussions and decision-making about who does what around the house.
Be sure you are clear about your “bottom line” and then offer choices within your larger choice. For example, if you know you want chores done before dinner, you might ask: would you prefer to do them right after school or right before dinner?” A helpful format for discussion is on the reverse side of this page. If your children are old enough, let them write up job descriptions for each chore, or help develop the system and/or chart for tracking them.
Everyone (including you) is on the “chore chart.”
This reinforces a sense of “we’re all in this together.
Set up a routine
Studies show that children are much more likely to participate willingly if chores are part of a household routine. For example, “dinner is served when chores are done.” The best way to “remind” kids when chores aren’t done is with a single word or gesture such as turning their dinner plate upside down at the table.
Create and Post a ‘Chore Chart’ and ‘Job Descriptions’
Post a checklist of tasks within a chore (such as the different tasks involved in cleaning the bathroom). This eliminates the need for reminders and ‘over talking.’ The job descriptions and chart becomes the boss.
Avoid rewards and payment to children for chores
Frame chores as something that each member of the family does to help support the family, not as a way to earn money. There is good evidence that paying kids for chores actually increases power struggles and decreases their motivation to follow through. To help children learn about managing money, it is a good idea to give kids opportunities to earn pay by doing “extra” or more time-consuming chores.
When you don’t have a routine and need to ‘surprise’ your child with a request, acknowledge the inconvenience.
You might say, “I know this is not your first choice, but would you be willing to…” Remember, if you do offer it as a choice; be prepared to accept an answer of “no.”
Research shows that kids are more likely to stick with a plan if they have a say in developing it. Let your children participate in discussions and decision-making about who does what around the house.
Be sure you are clear about your “bottom line” and then offer choices within your larger choice. For example, if you know you want chores done before dinner, you might ask: would you prefer to do them right after school or right before dinner?” A helpful format for discussion is on the reverse side of this page. If your children are old enough, let them write up job descriptions for each chore, or help develop the system and/or chart for tracking them.
Everyone (including you) is on the “chore chart.”
This reinforces a sense of “we’re all in this together.
Set up a routine
Studies show that children are much more likely to participate willingly if chores are part of a household routine. For example, “dinner is served when chores are done.” The best way to “remind” kids when chores aren’t done is with a single word or gesture such as turning their dinner plate upside down at the table.
Create and Post a ‘Chore Chart’ and ‘Job Descriptions’
Post a checklist of tasks within a chore (such as the different tasks involved in cleaning the bathroom). This eliminates the need for reminders and ‘over talking.’ The job descriptions and chart becomes the boss.
Avoid rewards and payment to children for chores
Frame chores as something that each member of the family does to help support the family, not as a way to earn money. There is good evidence that paying kids for chores actually increases power struggles and decreases their motivation to follow through. To help children learn about managing money, it is a good idea to give kids opportunities to earn pay by doing “extra” or more time-consuming chores.
When you don’t have a routine and need to ‘surprise’ your child with a request, acknowledge the inconvenience.
You might say, “I know this is not your first choice, but would you be willing to…” Remember, if you do offer it as a choice; be prepared to accept an answer of “no.”
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