How to Get Your Kids to do Chores with a Point System

Getting your kids to do chores can be well, a chore sometimes. Even doing chores for an allowance may not be enough as they see it as work. You can get them do to chores in a fun way with a point system designed to get children motivated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make a point system list itemizing daily chores. The points per chore can be decided on how hard the chore is. For example: Dishes 3 points, taking out the trash 1 point, sweeping and mopping 4 points and so on.

2. Create a chart with each child’s name and a column to put in their daily points. Kids like competition and a chart lets them see their progress, motivating them to get more points. This helps kids take responsibility for their accomplishments.

3. Offer a weekly or monthly award to the kid with the most points. The prize can be something tangible like a new game or book if your child is a reader, whatever fits in your budget. Or the award can be a weekly movie choice. The one with the most points at the end of the week gets to pick a rental movie for family movie night. A trip for ice cream, anything that will encourage your child to reach the goal.

4. Tally up the points after your week or month time limit is up and award the winner.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid hard feelings, offer up lesser second and/or third prizes for runner-ups.

[Doltz]

on 8/28/2008 Good idea! sounds like a very effective system, much better than just money reward. I will have to show my mommy buddies this, thanks!

[amylaine]

on 8/26/2008 Great tips.