Summer Chore Schedule Idea

I was inspired by a blog (and forgive me that I cannot find it again!) to start this system for summer. I envisioned E on the computer from morn until nigh and D whining I'm bored! So I implemented this system...And so far, it works like a charm!

Each of my children have a ribbon tied set of "chore cards".

Each 4x6 card has a chore on it ~5 cards, one chore per day~

An "extra" card has a list that they could do after they do their one chore. Why? See below.

11 year old girl chores

• fold and put away all families clothes
• sweep/vacuum and dust downstairs
• clean bathroom
• clean room and closet
• unload and load dishwasher

7 year old boy chores

• clean bathroom
• do 3o min. yardwork
• vacuum and dust upstairs
• fold and put away all families clothes
• clean room and closets

Extras

• clean out car
• dust buster and spray mop stairs
• 30 more min of yardwork
• make all 3 beds after washing
• clean mom and dad's bathroom
• organize kitchen cabinets
• cook dinner

THE RULES

• the set chores are non-negotiable
• you can choose whichever chore you'd like to do on what day
• chore MUST be done before play, tv or computer
• all 5 chores MUST be done by Friday morning
• you can do as many "extras" as you'd like to do
• you get credit if it is done as you were trained
• I put a tally on the back of the card when I check it. Different color tally for each week.

THE REWARD

I firmly believe that children should have responsibilites that they do not get paid for! I firmly believe that each person in the family should have responsibilities simply because we are a united family. BUT what I have found is...what I firmly believe leads to a lot of arguing, complaining and nagging!

So...they get $5 a week for doing their "chore cards" and $1 for every extra.

Notes to Self

• D LOVES responsibilites! He does 1-2 "extras" a day. ($ motivated)
• E is not arguing
• Because this system is only for summer, they know there is a light at the end of the tunnel
• They are appreciating what I usually do without them
• They talk about paying tithing daily and saving for bigger items
• Less begging at the store
• I LOVE THE HELP!
• Honestly, I see my children happier because they are feeling productive!
• They have suggested more "extras" that they'd like to do (i.e. cleaning out car)
• I am more flexible with their free time because they have done something to help me first.

Hope this helps inspire you like someone else's blog inspired me!