How Does a Chore Chart Work?

Parental Set Up

Before a chore chart can be part of the families routine, the parents must decide how to best implement a chore chart in the family. A chore chart can decrease arguments over chores by clearly defining the expectations around the house. The parents decide which chores each family member is responsible for, when the chores must be completed and if the chores are tied to a reward or consequence. The parents then set up the chore chart using a purchased chore chart, a customized chart printed off the Internet or a homemade chart.

Family Meeting

Parents should hold a family meeting to announce the chore chart to the rest of the family. They explain how the chore chart is going to work in their family and what chores each person is responsible for. It is important that the parents clearly explain expectations for completion of chores and any rewards/consquences. The family then displays the chore chart in a convienent location.

Using the Chore Chart

When a child completes a chore, he marks the chore off on the chart. Some families use stickers or magnets to designate completed chores. When the chores are to be completed, the parents then enforce rewards or consequences based on the chart. The parents periodically evaulate the chore chart to make sure that the rewards/consquence system is motiviating the child and to modify chores as neccessary. Some families also regularly rotate chores between family members.

Resources

• 5 types of chore charts