I just revised my kids job chart. I have 3 children (ages 14, 10 and 5) and it is HARD to figure out jobs that everyone can feel like they’re competent to do, as well as actually help me out. Here’s my top 5 tips for kids jobs, as well as my own job chart posted below:
1. Give them jobs they can feel good about doing. I tend to do jobs in areas they are in. They clean their own bathroom, they vacuum their own room. That way, they get to enjoy their job well done.
2. Give them age appropriate jobs to get done. There are a TON of kids job charts on Pinterest anymore, but make sure you’re giving them things they can actually get done.
3. Teach them how to do it. I like how Shawni of 71 Toes makes them pass it off before they’re competant to do it on their own. I have done that with larger jobs with my kids. One day, because no one seemed to “get” how vacuuming worked — I made them color in a mock-up that I made of their room with a wide-tipped marker to mock their vacuum strokes. It may have helped. Either way, I told them we’d do it again if it ever was done so shoddy. They improved after that.
4. Think about what YOU want done. I wanted help with bathrooms after we moved here, so I gave them those jobs. I still clean mine, but I gave up on cleaning all 3. They now help out. As they should!
5. Inspect. You’ve gotta go back and make sure it’s done how you want it. My kids will do the LEAST amount of work possible, if given that option. I just don’t give them the option anymore. Sorry kids. My way or the highway (or, if you read my allowance post, you know they’ll lose out on funds if they don’t do it how I want it).
Ok, here’s our current job chart. I do include meal responsibilities on here. Decide what works for you. Honestly, if you’re REALLY particular about anything, I wouldn’t relegate that to the kids. I just made it in word and was easy peasy. If anyone wants the download I can include that, but it is pretty well self-explanatory (and needs to be adjusted to your family).
a few notes:
- C is 14, S is 10 and P is 5.
- M clean means “Mommy clean” (which means the entire room needs to be cleaned up)
Any other questions?
| Be sure to check out my post on The Trip Clip to make these types of lists even easier! |
Laura @ Little Bits of Granola says
My oldest turns 3 next month and for her 3rd birthday, she gets a “big girl chore chart”. Thanks for these tips!! I like the horizontal calendar format you use.
Hilary says
Laura, we had the magnetic chore chart for a long time. It’s super effective if you can keep up with it. What a great idea for a birthday present!
lindsey says
We have allowance for my daughter (she is almost 6) BUT she only gets her money if she does her chores without us having to ask her. So if we say you need to clean your room she doesn’t get her money. Her chores are cleaning the bathroom sink, cleaning her room, and putting away the silverware which she loves doing and usually does it in the morning before she even gets us up.
Hilary says
Yeah, our allowance runs the same way. I am considering when to start my 5 year old with it. She doesn’t really want/need money right now…
Esmeralda says
Have a question it is ok to put them on 3 chores for a kid it can be more or 3 it is enough? I have a 8 years girl and 6 year son and my son really don’t want to help anything but I have to let them know they need to help for good! I really like your ideas.,,, thank you that’s help me and give me kind of what to do.
Hilary says
I think it depends on the chore, I bet you’ll figure it out!
Shannon says
Do you have an editable version of your kids job chart? I too have three kids and my chores are very much like yours.
Thanks
Hilary says
I have one here: http://www.pullingcurls.com/2015/08/childrens-daily-task-checklist.html — hope that helps!