Chores

In our family we begin with our preschoolers teaching them to do their "five things". We teach them to do a chore for each finger of their hand. These chores are: get dressed, brush your teeth, make your bed, brush your hair, and put away your pajamas. We also use check lists for bathroom, kitchen and bedroom to teach older children how to completely clean a room. Other chores are taught as they grow older. We assign these chores on a daily basis. This section contains several different charts for assigning chores.

The first list is provided to help parents plan which chores they will assign to specific children. The list is divided by age groups, but you should allow for individual variation in your family. Families have many different ways of assigning and rewarding for chores. Some use check lists like the ones in this program. Others use index cards with a single chore written on each card. Cards can be filed, rotated, and handed out as a simple management system. Other families give children permanent routines that they perform on a regular basis. No matter the system, all agree that chores build character and teach children how to serve others.

Here are some creative ideas from other families:

• Put a miniature candy bar in someone's drawer if their drawer is neat for the "surprise drawer inspection."
• Keep non-routine chores written on index cards. When someone needs a "character builder" give them one of the cards to perform.
• Allow children to do chores above their usual assignment to earn money. Some families do this for special offerings that are collected at Christmas or other times of the year.
• Use some of the extra time during the summer months to train children for new chores they will do the rest of the year.
• Give an award to the child who earns the most points for chores in a month. They can choose from prizes or "certificates for fun activities" kept in a special award box.