Here are our current kids’ chore charts. I believe that as mothers we cannot do it all and it is imperative that we delegate tasks to our kids.
Not only are they very capable of pitching in, but these are skills they need to know beyond childhood.
Kids’ Chore Charts
Daily Tasks
Prayer & Bible reading/memorization is the most important homeschool subject. The kids also have room chores, zones, and their daily schoolwork. Music/art and outside time are also included in their daily chore charts.
Animal Chores
My 13 & 7 year old have animal chores, because they chose those pets. My 11 & 9 year old have their animal chores, chickens and goats, because I offered whoever signed up for those jobs to make money from the product. So my son in charge of eggs gets to sell them and profit half the sells and put the other half toward feed. My son in charge of the goats is looking forward to selling goat milk after they kid.
More about animal chores here.
Laundry
The kids don’t do laundry daily. They only have to do their laundry about once a week or once their laundry basket is full. They have the opportunity to do laundry every day by helping me with loads like towels, the little kids loads, bedding, kitchen towels, rags & mop heads, etc.
Non Daily Tasks
Everyone rotates being the dinner helper once a week as well as unloading and loading the dishwasher once a week. Showers are added to the list for those who struggle with making it a habit.
Incentives
For every X on the chore charts the kids can receive either money or minutes for screen time. We have been using this method for quite some time. The kids have been very motivated to get their stuff done so they can enjoy free time.
Younger Kids
My non-readers usually get recruited by some of their older siblings to help with a task. For instance, if my son is clearing the dining room table he might offer my 3 year old a few cents to help him get the job done quicker. I also assign my littles detailed zone jobs. If the zone for the week is the kitchen, I can give them a wet rag to wipe the cupboard doors on the lower cabinets.
Change It Up
Sometimes chore charts need tweaking, so don’t be afraid to change it up if it isn’t working. I’ve found having an incentive or reward really motivates my kids too.
GET YOUR FREE BLANK KIDS CHORE CHART HERE!
[…] I use screen time/free time as an incentive. My kids are not allowed any screens until school and chores are complete. They still have limited screen time each day, but if they want to be able to use it they understand that their school and chores must be completed. This really helps to motivate them to complete their chore lists. […]