Chores

I often get asked how we handle chores around here so that is what this post covers. After trying multiple ways to get my kids to do chores without arguing about it, I think I finally found a way that works for us. We call them "chore packs." I think we got this term from the Duggar's. Anyway, each child has a "chore necklace" that they put on each morning. On the necklace there are laminated chore cards with a different chore pictured. Each evening, using a dry erase marker, I put a check mark on the cards that the children need to accomplish the next day. I don't give them more than 5 in a day.

As they complete a chore, they erase the check mark. If they finish all of their chores, they will get paid .50/day. They then check off their chore chart located on the refrigerator for that day. If they do not finish all of their chores, they will not get paid.

After all their chores are completed, they can ask for "extra chores" which they will earn .25 for each extra one finished. Also, if they finish all their chores before we start school for the day, they earn 30 minutes of IPAD/computer play during nap time. Here is a list of the chore cards we use: empty dishwasher, put away laundry, fold laundry, wipe bathroom counter, start laundry, dust baseboards, vacuum/sweep, set table, tidy bedroom, load dishwasher, and tidy living room. Since we have been doing chores this way, I have had only occasional complaining and usually they are reminding me to "check our chore packs."