KIDS & CHORES
Our kids (ages 6 & 4) enjoy helping around the house and each child has their own set of chores. Some days the kids get them done and then excitedly come running to tell me that they accomplished with a huge smile because of their achievement. It warms my heart when this happens. Then there are other days when I must tell them to do their chores multiple times, which leads to me being the naggy mom and sometimes a not so happy conversation. Recently, my son mentioned he felt defeated when I asked him to do his chores because he had failed to not remember to do them on his own. He took the initiative to suggest that I make him a reminder list and I thought that was a great idea so that is exactly what we did.
I sat down with the kids and we talked about the different things that need to be done around the house daily/weekly. The kids were excited to help mom come up with our new chore charts. We made 2 different charts; a daily chart/weekly chart. I laminated the charts so that we can use dry erase markers on them. (FREE Downloads of these charts available)
I made picture icons for the different chores, laminated them, and cut them out. Then I put Velcro adhesives (available at the dollar store, or tape works great also) on the back of each chore icon, and placed Velcro adhesive on the chart in the chore boxes so that we can change out chores as needed. For the weekly chart, I highlighted in yellow the days that each core needs to be completed.
Each day as my kids complete the chore, they use a dry erase marker to “X” the chore box for that day. This works great because it helps me to see what chores have been done and they are reminded what chores to do without me having to tell them. They are rewarded for completing their chores at the end of the week. We give each child $2.00 a week if they have completed their chores.
Teaching our kids, a good work ethic and simple life skills are important to my husband and I. In Colossians 3:23 the bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This is the attitude that we are encouraging our children to have when doing their chores. Giving each child a set of chores, we have seen that they have taken ownership and become responsible for their jobs, at the same time taking pride in what they are doing to contribute to the family. Kids thrive when there are clear boundaries, direction, and order. They love to be given opportunities to learn new things and to help around the house. May the Lord bless you and your family as you purse teaching your children a good work ethic that is glorifying to Him.
chore chart RCA
