AuburnChick's Adventures

Continuing the dramatic theme from my last post (and having not checked the PMS calendar yet), I continue.

First, look at this:

What is it, you wonder.

Well, it’s my way of trying to avoid nagging while teaching the kids responsibility and accountability.

I devised this chart a couple of summers ago when the kids were home all day and I was working.  Might as well put them to work instead of letting them sit in front of the Boob Tube all day.

I have always been a firm believer in teaching the kids how to be responsible.  I think that completing chores is a fair thing to ask of family members and should not be compensated for via payment (i.e. allowances).  We’re a family, and we should all help out.

That said, it can be hard for the kids to remember exactly everything that needs to be done.  There are, as you can see, quite a few things on the list.  This list doesn’t even include such things as washing the floor, cleaning the refrigerator, or washing baseboards.   It’s a fair list, I think.

Since the kids went back to school, we’ve forgone the list.  And I’ve nagged, and nagged, and nagged.  With little success.  In fact, all that has been developed is resentment, on the part of all sides.

So, I’m bringing back the list.

I fully expect the kids to be mad.

I don’t care.  The list will speak for me.  It gives them leeway in deciding what day to do 1x/week and 2x/week chores.  However, I will make it clear that outside activities will not be allowed until said items are completed.  And, if chores are not completed properly, they will redo said tasks (the kids are old enough to know and do better, unlike young children where more leeway should be given).  Play is the reward to a hard day’s work.  Or, in this case, maybe an hour to an hour and a half is all that is required to get the job(s) done.

If you are interested in obtaining this chart, let me know.  I’ll be more than happy to send it to you via email.  It’s an Excel file.

Filed under: children | Tagged: child rearing, children, chores | 1 Comment »