How to Make a Household Chore List
Summer is the perfect time to make a household chore list for the family and to encourage a more orderly and clutter free household.
While making a household chore list is easy in itself, there are many things to consider to make it a success. Use this article to create an amazing chore list for your family to get motivated by and use with pride.
Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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CREATE YOUR LIST - In this first step just right down all the chores that you need done on a regular basis, all the chores that you need done once a week and all the chores that you need done seasonally or once a month. Spend some time brainstorming to make sure you don't forget any.
Consider bringing your list with you throughout a day/week and writing down chores as you think of them. This list should be as thorough as possible.
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ORGANIZE YOUR LIST - Now that you have a basic household chore list, you will want to organize it. You may choose to organize your household chores list by level of difficulty and family member age, or by category (ex. kitchen, living room, etc.)
Figure out whether you want chores to remain the same throughout the summer, or if they will vary based on category.
See the resource section below to find information on choosing age appropriate chores.
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DISPLAY YOUR LIST - If you want your household chore list to be a success, it is vital that it is displayed in an area where the entire family will see it throughout the day. Consider using bright colors on your household chore list to bring attention to the tasks. You may also want to consider pinning it to the wall, sticking it to the refrigerator or displaying it on easel.
Seeing the household chore list will enable family members to assess their progress and therefore to improve!
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CREATE INCENTIVE FOR COMPLETION - The incentive will be the part of the household chore list which will make it effective.
Choose an incentive which is highly motivating and desired by family members. Consider creating a unique motivator for each family member. Make sure it is something that you are comfortable NOT giving to them if they do not complete the task at hand.
There are several ways to give rewards in response to chore lists. One of these ways is to reward a certain point value or dollar value to each task and then cashing this in at the end of the week or month. Another way to reward is an all or nothing approach. "If you do your chores for an entire week, you will get to not only live in a clean home environment, but go to the 3D Movie Theater in the next town over with a friend of choice."
*Consider letting your children help you in the process of choosing incentives.
*Older children or adults will often prefer money.
Another option all together, would be to keep the household chore list organized by daily, weekly and once in a while tasks. Assign a dollar value or prize value to each task and make it a race to who gets the most chores done. If you choose a motivating reinforcer, you will find family members will work for it. Make an additional bonus prize for the big winner! See Step 4 for further information.
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Tips & Warnings
Make the construction of the Household Chore List a family activity. Ask your children to help you think of chores. Raise excitement, pride and a competitive spirit by trying to make chores a fun and consistent habit in your child's life.
Resources
- Photo Credit Flickr: chefrandon, Florian, Thirteen of Clubs, woodleywonderworks, tourist_on_earth
