For kids to be so small, they make some HUGE messes! And when you have two, it’s just double the messes. So I’m going to start taking steps to gain some control over the chaos they produce. We tried to get started over the summer, but it didn’t stick with us after a few weeks. This time I wanted something that would work for the kids and us.
After looking into the best way to go about starting this and talking with the husband, I came to the realization that we don’t have to do an allowance system. The kids are members of the family, and can therefore help with the household chores that we all need to be doing. Although I’m not above bribery to get this thing started, it won’t be a weekly event.
Now, time to decide which chores they will be doing. There are several resources out there that give you age appropriate chores for your kids. I realized after looking over these lists that my kids were already doing a majority of these chores. The problem was, they weren’t doing them consistently. That’s what I want to change.
Next, is setting up a charting system to help keep us consistent in controlling the chaos. I searched Google images, Pinterest, and other crafty blogs out there. What I had in mind was something quick and easy to use right away…an easy free printable. Pinterest was full of cute magnet chore systems, clothes pins, and things like that. I just knew I couldn’t do that, and you’ll know why from my previous post on my relationship with Pinterest.
Below is what I decided to use. Now I can’t take complete credit for this. I looked at TONS of pictures and did a little digging and found some free designs from Erin Bradley and had a moment of creativity to be able to come up with chore charts that would work for our family.
The plan is to divide and conquer the house with a few chores per room (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc.). I figure this will take a little trial and error along the way, so I’ll keep you posted our progress.
Do you have a chore system in place for your kids? What have you found works best in your household?
I can’t wait to hear how this goes – trying to figure out how to incorporate “chores” for my 2.5 year old. He loves helping to put away the clean silverware, but he’s not quite so good at putting away his own toys. Hmmmm….
Fingers crossed, but things are going well right now. Granted we’re only a few days in!
This is such a great idea! I’m mentally saving this for the future for when I have kids someday. Ha, ha! 🙂
It’s never too early to plan ahead for these things!!