You’ve come to the right place to learn how to start creating your own family chore chart!  Read below for inspirations and ideas.

Teaching Responsibility

I’m a big supporter of teaching our kids responsibility.  I think most parents are!

Ultimately OUR responsibility is in raising these tiny humans into being high-functioning, emotionally intelligent, responsible adults that give more to the world than they take.

A part of that includes how to wash clothes, how to clean a toilet, and being accountable in doing things like feeding the dog.  Along the way, it teaches them about natural consequences as well as the awesome feeling of accomplishment.

Brainstorm – questions to ask yourself when planning to start chores

1. What chores can my kids handle?  There are SO many great articles out there on what chores are appropriate for what ages with a quick Pinterest search.
2. Will I provide a reward?
   • An allowance – great to teach them money and saving skills
   • Privileges – after they complete their daily tasks can they then play with friends, use the TV or play video games
   • Activities – if they complete all their weekly tasks, can they choose what to eat on Saturday?  Drive them to their favorite playground across town, go to the movies with friends, or have an extra 4 hours of screen time on Saturday.  What will motivate and excite them?  Change it up every week or keep it the same for a month.
3. How structured do I want it to be?  Can they choose what weekly task to do that day or do they need to do specific things on certain days?
4. Do you want a chart where they can check things off each day or do you just need a quick visual reminder of what needs to be completed?  A third option is to be able to move a chore card from “to-do” to “done”.
5. Are there tasks they need to complete each day to earn a privilege like screen time?  Or are you more concerned with doing all their weekly chores every Saturday morning and just need a weekly checklist?
6. Do my kids even know how to sweep or clean a toilet?  Consider creating or purchasing “how-to” cards instructions like this one in my Etsy Store – Cleaning Cards
7. Will there be a consequence of not completing their daily or weekly tasks?    They lose privileges, for example, screen time with video games or TV.  No playing with friends?  Grounded from birthday parties or special events?  Lose their cell phone? – Make sure you talk about these consequences upfront so there are no surprises.  Stay consistent.

Different Types of Chore Charts

To visually see a list of responsibility charts for kids, for the family and even for little ones, check out my Etsy store at the following link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MindyanaJonesDesigns?section_id=30336911

I think I’ve now owned every type of chore chart out there.  From buying a beautiful wood chart on Amazon to a magnetic board to an app.  MY favorite is the kind where I can customize it to fit our family and the ages of my kids.  That’s one of the reasons I started adding chore charts to my store.  I couldn’t find charts where I could customize it and make it my own.

It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll go through a handful of different processes as your kids grow up.  The chart for your kindergartner is going to look very different from your 16-year-olds chart.

I think one of the most important things to consider is where this chart or task list will be.  Everyone needs a visual reminder to walk by every day. The fridge, a bulletin board in the hallway or even just taped next to their bedroom light switch.

Here are the main types of charts:

1. Checklist of Weekly Chores – great for Saturday morning cleaning sessions – chores like cleaning the hamster cage, vacuuming their bedroom, cleaning the toilet, sweeping the porch
2. Checklist of Daily Responsibilities and Tasks – things like homework, reading minutes, feeding the dog, setting the dinner table
3. Combination of both Weekly and Daily Responsibilities – completing their daily checklist PLUS doing one weekly chore each day
4. Cleaning Zones – Abby is responsible for the entryway and family room. Matthew is responsible for the eating and play area. Trevor is responsible for the garbage and dishes this week.
5. Chore wheels – Zander needs to unload the dishwasher and Jack will load the dirty dishes and Addison will be sweeping the kitchen each day.
6. Visual Chore Cards – great for a corkboard with removable hooks for both pre-readers and older kids.  Each card will have an image, like a vacuum, a duster, a mop, etc.  Move the cards from “to-do” to “done”.
7. Chore Apps – this one didn’t go over well in our house.  The less they’re on screens the better I think 🙂  I also like a visual reminder to look at, I don’t need more notifications going off on my phone with an app.
8. Progress Charts – these are GREAT when you’re just trying to teach one or two things.  Like brushing their teeth, reading, or going to bed on time.  Here’s a link to my section on progress reward charts: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MindyanaJonesDesigns?section_id=31231725

Did I miss any?  Send me a message if you think so, I’m always looking for new ideas.

Choose a Responsibility Chore Chart

Now that you have a good idea of what you’d like to implement at your house, it’s time to make it a reality!

This can be as simple as opening up Microsoft Word and typing up a checklist for the kiddos.  SO easy to get started!  Just think about what you need from them and when and create a list.  As a bonus, add the “reward” at the bottom so they stay motivated.

Graphics and design, not your thing?  Take it a step further to see what you can buy online.  Etsy is an AWESOME resource of charts, there are thousands.  In your Etsy search make sure to add a very specific description to narrow down your search. I highly recommend digital editable products so that you have instant access to them and you can edit the file to include your children’s names.

Take a peek at my Etsy Store for some low-cost digital options!  Either print it at home or take it to your local print shop like Office Max.

Consider buying or creating a themed chore chart (for example a Minecraft or Unicorn Theme) you can easily go online and do a search.  Kids tend to get SUPER excited when you post a new chore chart with some of their favorite characters like Mario, Pokemon or even a magical mermaid.

Have 4 kids and don’t want to plaster the bulletin board with 4 charts, think about looking at FAMILY or Multiple Kids Charts.  I’ve got a few you’ll love in my shop or at least get you inspired to create your own.

Conclusion

You’ve GOT THIS!  My recommendation is to keep things simple at first.  Don’t drown your kids with a ton of new responsibilities and chores all at once.  Help them feel that sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with the basics at first.

Also, be kind to yourself and stay flexible in the process. If something is just NOT working for your family, tweak it a little and try again next week.

Keep in mind that excitement can fade, kids keep getting older, schedules change. You may need to reevaluate everything every so often.  There are some things that work great for the school year, but you may need to change things up for the summer.

Enjoy the journey!

Psssst…… Need some ideas for rewarding your kids?  Check out my post on 32 Reward Ideas: https://mindyanajones.com/reward-ideas-for-kids-charts/