How to Implement Chore Jars

You can use any jar as a chore jar.

A chore jar is a tool that you can use to either punish or reward children through household cleaning. You will need to make the jar, decide the purpose of the jar and choose which chores will belong in the jar. This method provides a completely random and fair method of distributing chores among children. While you can use the chore jar to dole out everyday chores, you may want to use it to address obscure chores that are overlooked in day-to-day cleaning.

Instructions

1. Find a clean jar with a lid to use as your chore jar. You can decorate this jar as you see fit.

2. Cut a sheet of paper into small strips, long enough to write on.

3. Write the name of chores on the strips of paper. If you want to use the chore jar as a means of reward, you can also write a reward on the other side of the strip of paper. This reward can be a small amount of money or any other reward you want to use.

4. Fold the strips of paper and place them in the jar and shake it well.

5. Discuss the chore jar with your children and let them know the purpose of the jar, whether it is for punishment or for fairly distributing chore duty.

6. Allow the children to randomly draw a slip of paper from the jar. The child must perform the chore written on the paper to the best of his ability.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the chore jar consistently if it is a means of punishing bad behavior.

• Do not allow children to trade out one chore for another in the jar. If a child draws a chore, he must attempt to complete it.

References

• Funology: Chore Jar
• Thrifty Fun: Chore Jar for Kids to Earn Extra Money