Recently on ADD Moms, I was talking about organization. I had attended a teleseminar held by Cara from The Household Helper.
Someone asked about helping to keep their kids organized and Cara had a great idea. She said to give each of your kids a “to do” list, except that she called it a Chore Chart.
Well, the idea of a chore chart for kids isn’t new, but I have a little suggestion to add to it that might make it more effective.
When my kids were younger, they each had chores to do, but I would often come home from work to find the chores incomplete or not done at all. Often the excuse was “I forgot how”.
I solved this problem by posting charts in areas where chores took place.
For instance, each child was assigned a day to wash, dry, fold and put away a load of towels. So I made a chart – very simple – with step by step instructions on how to wash a load of towels. I told them how many to put in, how much detergent to use, and how to start the washer. Similar instructions were posted over the dryer, and the linen closet was labeled to tell them where things went.
You could take this idea and use it all over the house:
- A chart in the garage for mowing the lawn
- A chart in the kitchen for loading the dishwasher
- A chart by the desk on how to keep it neat
- A chart near their hamper for sorting clothes
You get the idea. Think of these as recipe cards, except that instead of making cookies, they’re making the bed.
Give it a try and see how it works at your house. What other creative ideas can you think of to use these charts?
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Thank you! You’re so welcome!