Our kids (ages 6 & 4) enjoy helping around the house, and each has their own chores. Some days the kids get them done and then excitedly come running to tell me what they accomplished with a massive 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 nagging mom and sometimes a not-so-pleasant conversation. My son recently mentioned he felt defeated when I asked him to do his chores because he had failed not to 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 what we did.
I sat down with the kids and discussed the different things that need to be done around the house daily/weekly. The kids were excited to help Mom develop our new chore charts. We made two different charts, a daily chart and a weekly chart. I laminated the charts so that we could use dry-erase markers on them.
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 to change out chores as needed. For the weekly chart, I highlighted in yellow the days each task needs to be done.
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 see what chores have been done, and they are reminded of what chores to do without me telling them. They are rewarded for completing their chores at the end of the week. We give each child $2.00 weekly if they have completed their chores.
Teaching our kids a good work ethic and simple life skills is essential to my husband and me. 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. By giving each child a set of chores, we have seen that they have taken ownership and become responsible for their jobs while taking pride in what they do to contribute to the family. Kids thrive when there are clear boundaries, direction, and order. They love the opportunities to learn new things and to help around the house. May the Lord bless you and your family as you pursue teaching your children a good work ethic that glorifies Him.
