Show n' Tell- Chore Chart

My kids have always been good about doing chores. Typically, it's something small, like picking up their toys or clearing the table. I've been wanting them to learn how to do more things around the house, not only to help me, but to teach them things they will need to know later in life (okay, mostly to help me out). Like all kids, they started to complain about how much I was asking them to do, or asking what they would get for it. I decided to give them a weekly allowance, but it still didn't really motivate them. After a while, they would say they didn't want to do the chores because they didn't really need the money for anything, and once I overheard Emma giving Landon a $10 bill because her wallet was too full. I realized that I needed a new reward system.

I found the perfect solution.

These chore charts are so cute as well as functional. They allow the kids to see all of their chores for the day and when they finish a chore, they put it in the pocket. At the end of the night, when all the chores are in the pocket, they move their marker up the ladder towards the reward. The reward is decided together at the beginning of each week. I can't believe how much more motivated they are to spend a day with Dad, or have a play-date, or a new toy.

They check the chart every morning after breakfast and make their beds before school. Then as soon as they get home they start working on the rest. It includes some things they should do anyway- like homework or baths, but it makes them more proactive in doing them. I've also introduced some new things like dishes, laundry and vacuuming. I've never had them as chores before, because I'm pretty anal particular about how I like things done. However, I knew I would need to get over it and let them do it their own way. It has saved me a lot of time doing some of the small things that they are perfectly capable of doing anyway. Plus, I feel like they are learning good life lessons about responsibility and the value of hard work.


Emma folded those towels and put them little piles. I thought she did a great job and she didn't even see me re-fold them before I put them away.

Anyway, I found these at etsy.com, but anyone that is even a little crafty (which I certainly am not) could probably figure out how to make them.