4 Tips For Creating An Easy Chore Chart For Kids

If you’ve been on Pinterest lately, you may have seen some elaborate systems of organization. Household gurus post their genius ideas for everything from snack stations in the pantry to linen closet perfection. For busy, full houses, organization can make life a lot easier. When it comes to keeping your house in order, a chore chart for kids can be an excellent way to manage the chaos.

When you search Pinterest for chore chart ideas and templates, don’t freak out. There are some talented organizers out there that make every inch of their home seem put together. You don’t have to be the most organized, most precise person to implement good habits. You just need a few simple ideas and you’ll be well on your way to creating an easy chore chart for kids.

While everyone is working, why not create some conversation with these 20 questions to ask your kids after school.

How To Create An Easy Chore Chart For Kids

Expectations vs. Chores

As you start putting together a chore chart for your little ones, you might wonder what should go on the list. First, think of the difference between expectations and chores. Expectations are the basic practices each person takes part in, simply because they are a part of the family. This may vary for each household, but some examples would be brushing your teeth, putting dirty clothes in your hamper at night, or doing your homework everyday.

Chores, on the other hand, are tasks that go above and beyond. Chores add to the care of the home and family, while expectations more often serve the individual. Some chore ideas might include setting the table, helping with dishes after a meal, or cleaning the bathroom.

Depending on the age of your children, chores and expectations will vary. It’s helpful to differentiate the two from each other, though. This gives your kids some personal responsibility and independence, while also encouraging initiative.

Make the Chart Easily Accessible

Your chore chart does not need to be a work of art. It does need to be practical, though. Once you’ve decided on a list of chores for each child, create a simple visual chart. There are lots of Pinterest templates you can print and hang up, or, if you’re really ambitious, you can make your own.

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Use plastic page protectors to slide your chart inside and display the product on a bedroom door or nearby wall. With the plastic cover, you have flexibility to change out charts as your kids grow. Plus, you can use a dry erase marker to easily check off completed tasks.

Identify Incentives

Though chores do not require rewards, you may want to think of an incentive for your kids as they get the hang of new habits. A reward system, like the chore chart, can be something very simple to implement. Ask yourself two questions to help guide your decisions about rewards and incentives.

What motivates my children? What do I want my children to learn?

If stickers or check marks motivate your children, start there! Let them experience the feeling of accomplishment when they finish tasks. If it takes a bit more to get the ball rolling, there are a few other options.

A completed list of weekly chores could result in a date with mom or dad. You could reward their hard work with a homemade dinner of their choice or a sleepover at the end of a month. Think of your kid and their personality, and find rewards that fit them.

Monetary incentives can also be very effective. Chore money often serves as “allowance” and is only given if earned. Of course, money is very motivating, but it can also make way for significant lessons about budgeting and the value of work. If you’re looking to teach older children about using money wisely, setting up a chore-based allowance system could be very helpful.

Be Flexible

As helpful as a chore chart can be, we must also realize that we’re working with young people. They are learning and growing all the time, and we must see chores as developing tools.

Parents work hard, and it’s easy to see a chore chart as a chance to distribute some of the work. At some point, the home should feel like a shared space that every family member contributes to. It can be difficult to get to that place, though.

Give your kids some room to mess up. Help them learn from rough weeks and bad habits, but set yourself up well. Have realistic expectations for your kids, especially when they vary in age. Figure out what’s best for your family, and don’t be afraid to throw things out if they are not working!

Do you have any other ideas for making a chore chart for kids? Let us know in the comments!