Chore Workshop Series, Part 2
Implementing a Routine

My children start helping around the house at a young age. It isn't forced on them, they want to help. Preschool children do not see chores as drudgery, but as an opportunity to mimic mom, dad and older siblings. Some children will be able to perform "chores" as early as age 2. Some children will be reluctant to begin a chore routine, but in my previous post, "Kids and Chores: Mobilizing the Help-Force in Your Home" are helpful insights to get them (and you!) going. If you have not yet read Part 1 of this series,  I highly recommend you read it before beginning.

If you have never implemented a chore routine in your household, it might take a few tries to "tweak" your children's list of responsibilities. I have used chore charts for years, and ours are always changing, because of changes in our home (like a new pet...) or changes in the season. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries for you to get it right for your home.  Be on the look-out for neglected tasks.  These are perfect for chore lists. You know, those things that bring your blood to a boil instantly, because they happen all the time. Like those shoes that are always in the middle of the entry-way...
Involving your children in the process of creating chore lists may be helpful too.  My son hates dusting, but doesn't mind vacuuming; His older sister prefers dusting, so giving him the vacuuming job, and  delegating dusting to my older daughter is arrangement that is more agreeable to both.  Of course there are chores around the house that are dreaded by  by everyone, so we all take a turn doing them.

Files from my own chore system are found below.  I have included chore charts that have already been filled out, so you can see what my children do, in addition to some of my blank chore charts that you may customize to fit your own needs. You will find that the lists for my older children include daily "Zones," which are manageable areas of the house that we clean each day.  Cleaning "zones" was a request from my children, who preferred breaking up the work during the week, rather than spending many hours, cleaning the entire house in one day.
Also included is a picture chart for "pre-readers,"  complete with clip-art.  You can certainly make your own using Microsoft Word, as I did, or simply print out blank charts.  Little ones may enjoy customizing them with stickers or photos clipped from magazines.  I keep mine in page protectors on the refrigerator, and kids check off their jobs with dry-erase markers.  This may not be the best system for younger children, as the pens stain clothing.  With younger children, I prefer to use disposable charts with small stickers from the office supply store.

Additionally, I have included a printable "Tips for Success" sheet with helpful hints to help get the ball rolling. 

Finally, you will find links to very specific pages on sites that feature lists of chores by age. Of course, you can automatically assume that the tasks that are  appropriate for younger children will certainly be easily accomplished by older children.  Because of this, you may want to read through the lists that are for children younger than yours, just in case there is something on them that you want to use. Please leave me your comments, letting me know if this is helpful to you, or even your suggestions or helpful links to share.

Chore Charts: Filled Examples or Blank

Tips for Success
File Size: 12 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Example-2 Week Chore Chart
File Size: 23 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Pre-Reader Chore Chart-Girl
File Size: 687 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Pre-Reader Chore Chart-Boy
File Size: 712 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Blank Chore Chart - One Week
File Size: 7 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Blank Chore Chart - Two Weeks
File Size: 8 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Free Resource Links

Age Appropriate Chores
Chores for children, listed by age from Homeschool-Your-Boys.com: Lists of chores for every age, from preschool to teens.  Perfect for boys or girls!

Detail Cleaning List for Zones
Chores by "zone" from FlyLady.net:FlyLady has divided the home up into five zones. Don't worry if you think you have more than that in your own home.

Trade Chores With Your Kids
And other creative tactics from Focus on the Family: In the series "Motivating Kids to do Chores" The author of this segment had an epiphany that changed the way she responded when her kids neglected their responsibilities.

How To Convince Kids to Use a Chore Chart 
Helpful motivation tips from the Housekeeping.About.com Series "10 Ways to Get Kids to Use a Chore Chart" Featuring sound strategies for motivating kids to help.

Preschool Planner Pages & Chore Chart
Printable preschool chore chart from ShepherdingtheLambs.Blogspot.com Simple PDF chart, perfect for little ones.

Free PDF Chore Charts
Free themed chore charts from ChoreCharts.com: Choose from daily, weekly or monthly printable chore charts, with themes and colorful graphics. Simply print and fill in.

DTLK's Custom Chore Chart
A totally customizable chore chart generator at DTLK-Cards.com: You can even choose cartoon characters or themes to personalize them further.

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Chore Workshop Series, Part 1
Mobilizing the Help-Force in Your Home
Let's face it: Unless you are superwoman, managing your household can be overwhelming. Perhaps you are one of those rare people who can run a business, keep an immaculate home, and coordinate your church's food bank.  Many of us - myself included - cannot.  The good news is: That's okay. It's even better than okay, it's great! Our humanity provides us with an opportunity to teach our children some very valuable skills.  Things like household maintenance, time management, and cooperation.  None of us lives in a vacuum, and learning to help around the house shows our children that as each of us contributes to the use of our home, each must help in it's upkeep as well.

Tips for Success
Make it a Team Effort
Work side by side with your children, especially at first. One mom I knew was frustrated, because no matter what she did, her daughter could not remember to put her clothes in the hamper. After asking some questions, I realized this was not a discipline issue, it was a a habit. I suggested she stay close by every time her daughter got dressed---at least for a week or two---and remind her daughter to put the clothes in the hamper before they went on the floor. It worked! Her daughter learned to form a new habit---placing items in the hamper.

Be Specific
To most kids the phrase, "clean your room" is very vague and overwhelming. “Pick up your Legos and put them back into the Lego box.” is better.

Be Obvious
Keep chore charts where you can see them every day so you will keep them current.  If they are in a drawer in your kitchen, nobody will remember to follow them.

Be Consistent
Make sure chore charts are marked every day, and that rewards and consequences are given in a timely manner.
No Fun ‘Till Work is Done!
Really. If your kids ask, “Can I watch my show?” or “Can I go outside?” or "Can I take a break and play on the computer?"  Get into the habit of asking them, “Have you finished your chores?”

A Place For Everything...
And everything in it’s place.  For example: Shelves in closets, shoe boxes or plastic storage boxes. In short, make sure your child’s things can be put away.  For younger children, it is helpful to label shelves or boxes with pictures, so they can remember where things go.

Wiggle with Purpose
After doing a Math assignment, kids might benefit from a chance to wiggle (constructively) by feeding animals or taking out the trash.

Keep Chores "On File"
Instead of a chart or list, create a "card file" with all of the chores detailed on 3 X 5 cards. (Kept in a convenient place...) When your child completes a task, she can move that card from the "To Do" pocket/envelope/box into "Done."
Help Yourself
Lily Tomlin said, "Ever feel like your brain is made of Teflon, and nothing sticks?" Yes! I will make a plan to affect change in my household, and then, summarily forget. So, I have developed a habit of writing sticky notes to place on my mirror or set alarms on my cell phone---whatever keeps me on-track. Additionally, I write notes on my calendar to remember rewards and consequences given.

Be a Good Example
Whenever possible, put things away immediately, hang up your clothes and put your dishes in the dishwasher.

Teach Them to Plan Their Day
Some kids will quickly figure out that “Finishing my checklist means I can do what I want!” Others never do… sigh.

Keep a “Redemption box.”
After your kids have a chance to put their belongings away and they don't, put those items into a box. To be able to "redeem" those items in the box, you can have your kids do extra chores around the house.

Charge for “Maid Service”
A nickel, dime, or quarter charged for each item adds up quickly. (My kids do not have the option to pay or not to pay. Just like when your car is towed, you must pay to get your car from the impound lot---don't ask me how I know that, LOL!)
Strike One, Two, Three!
Thinking of a consequence for every little struggle gets tedious, try giving “strikes.” For example: “I asked you to do your chores once already and you didn’t, that’s strike one.” After three strikes they lose a privilege.

Warning Signs
If you are yelling or nagging, chances are you are not following through with consequences.

Look for Success
If your child does his chores without being asked, or is “caught being helpful” give bonus points toward a movie rental, a game played with mom or dad, or a special treat of some kind. We give plastic "tokens" that they save in a jar for new books, small toys that they have been wanting, or a "night off" from helping with dishes.

Be Ready
...For a challenging couple of weeks. You won’t be very popular, but it really does get easier.

If at First You Don't Succeed...
Start again next week!

Helpful Resources

7002X: Choreganizers Choreganizers
Help kids of all ages develop good character and great habits! This organizing system comes with 48 colorful cards that depict household chores and a colorful laminated "Chore Store" note board that wipes clean. Each child has a chart (six are included) for their chores, and can earn Mom Money or Dad Dollars to spend on rewards.

867401: Clean N" Flip Zone Cleaning for Kids Clean N' Flip Zone Cleaning for Kids
This fun & unique system is designed to help children visually and systematically work through cleaning the three main rooms of a house independently, and with ease. Step-by-step illustrations make it easy -- non-readers can easily follow along and work independently! Full color flipchart is divided into Living Room/Entry, Bathroom and Kitchen Zones. Each Zone offers blank lines for daily jobs that Mom can customize to fit perfectly to your specific family needs. Includes everything, right down to the dry-erase marker!

6202433: Clean N" Flip Bedroom Cleaning for Kids Clean N' Flip Bedroom Cleaning for Kids
This sturdy, spiral bound, 8.5" X 5.5" flipchart walks children through the process of cleaning their room. It takes an overwhelming process and breaks it down into simple parts. Complete a step and flip the page. The fun, simple pictures make it easy for even pre-schoolers to use.

Helpful Links
Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers  This post on Kris' blog shows her system for kids chores.

Life123.com: Why a Household Chore List Works.

Woman'sDay.com:  5 Ways to Get Your Kids Cleaning.

WiseMomSays.com: How Doing Chores Help in Child Development.

Go to Part 2 - Age Appropriate Chores

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A Guide to Saving Your Money & Your Sanity!

WHAT's for DINNER?!
I've done it many times.  We return home from Lego Club and it's 4:30.  The kids are hungry and my sweet, famished hubby is due home in an hour. I have no idea what I'm making for dinner.

It took me a while (I'm a slow learner) but I finally figured out that by planning my meals, I save money and I help preserve the modicum of sanity I still have. Many people have asked me how I do it, so here are the steps involved in planning a menu and creating a master shopping list. (Actually, the second part has been done for you!)  Please post questions, if you have them.

Step 1: List Your Family's Favorite Meals

Think of your favorite meals...
Make a list of meals your family likes for breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Write as many as you can think of. (If you want some ideas, I have included a list of our favorites.) Primarily, you want to focus on your dinner meals. Now is a good time to include a recipe or two that you have been wanting to try. You could even have a weekly “New Food Night!” Or, you may just want to stick to your tried-and-true favorites. My mother made the same meals week after week. Monday was “Fried Chicken Day” Tuesday was “Ravioli Day” Wednesday was “Taco Day” and so on. You can make your menu the way YOU like it. Also, if you have some really busy days, that would be the time to plan a freezer meal (like lasagna) or a “Fend for Yourself” night.

Step 2: Plan Two (or Four) Weeks of Meals

Plan your meals...
I plan a two-week menu for my family, because my husband gets paid every two weeks, but it's just as easy to plan for four weeks. So, every two weeks, each of my 6 family members (myself included) chooses two meals from my list of twenty-six. That way each is assured of having two meals that they really want during that time. (That's 12 planned meals and 2 "fend for yourself" nights) Then, I go through my recipes, and make my shopping list for the ingredients that we need. I add to that breakfast foods, lunches and snacks. At the end of this guide is a free, Blank Menu Planner that I found at OrgJunkie.com.  In addition, I have included links to a free Homeschool Planner AND Menu Planner in One and a Menu Planner with a To Do / Chore List from TheHomeschoolMom.com.

Step 3: Gather Your Recipes & Create a Shopping List

Shopping List
Gather your recipes from cookbooks, online or your recipe cards, or if you can remember the ingredients because you have made them so often, go ahead and review those recipes mentally.

I was tired of making a list every time I went shopping, and I always forgot something, so I created a master shopping list. It had everything needed for our meals, in addition to household items we regularly purchased. It was handy as I planned my menu, because I could just check off the items we needed without having to write it all out every time. At the end of this post, I have included a free, printable Master Shopping List if you want to use it. If you do not want to use a master list, you can create a list from the meals you just chose for your menu.

Example: Our Favorite Meals

You will notice a lack of seafood. Most of my family does not like fish, so I hardly ever make it.

Breakfasts
Oatmeal with Raisins and Fried Ham
French Toast with nitrate-free bacon and Orange slices
Cold Cereal and Bacon
Breakfast Burritos (eggs, salsa, cheese, bacon or sausage in a tortilla.
Breakfast sandwiches – Wholegrain English muffin, egg, ham and cheese.
Bagel and Cream Cheese with Fresh Fruit
Wholegrain Pancakes, turkey sausage and Fresh Fruit
Breakfast Smoothie, made with soy and whey protein powder and fresh or frozen fruit.

Lunches
Left-Overs from Dinner
Whole Wheat Pita Bread Pizzas (pepperoni or Hawaiian)
Turkey Wraps with lettuce and tomato
Soup & Quesadillas or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Hot Dogs and Fruit Salad
Club or Hero Sandwiches and carrot sticks
Turkey Kielbasa, Tater Tots and Fruit
Egg Salad or Tuna Pita Pockets and apple slices
Hot Dogs and orange wedges
Main-Course Salad with protein, like Cobb or chef salad.

Snacks
Whole Grain Crackers, Salami and Cheese with Sliced Apples
Whole Wheat Pita Chips and Hummus with Canned Pineapple
Graham Crackers with Cream Cheese & Jam
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Whole-Grain Cheese-Its, Carrots or Snap Peas and Ranch Dressing
Almonds and apple sauce or grapes

Dinners

    Poultry Dinners

  1. Lemon-Basil Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta and Sauteed Veggies
  2. BBQ Chicken (or fish!) with Potato Salad & Green Beans 
  3. Chinese Chicken Salad and pot stickers. 
  4. Orange Chicken, Rice & Broccoli
  5. Fried Chicken with Steak Fries (frozen) and Steamed Broccoli
  6. Shredded Chicken (or fish) Tacos with the works
  7. Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce and Salad
  8. Chicken (and Shrimp) Jambalaya with Rice (Veggies are in the Jambalaya)
  9. Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli
  10. Turkey Kielbasa in Red Beans and Rice with Cucumber & Tomato vinaigrette
  11. Turkey Breast Roast with Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
  12. Grilled Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches, Soup and Canned Fruit

    Beef Dinners

  13. French Dip Sandwiches au Jus & Cucumber Vinaigrette
  14. Lasagna (frozen) and Green Salad
  15. Hamburgers with Whole Wheat Buns and Fresh Fruit Salad
  16. Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans and Rice
  17. Round Roast with Red Creamer Potatoes & Spinach Salad
  18. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Cucumber Vinaigrette
  19. Meat Loaf with Steamed Broccoli and Rice
  20. London Broil and Baked Potatoes with Sautéed Zucchini & Yellow Squash
  21. Beef and Bean Burritos in whole grain tortillas with the works!
  22. Chili Dogs (or dogs & beans) & Salad
  23. Beef Stroganoff, noodles and steamed broccoli

    Meatless Meals

  24. Vegetarian Chili, topped with cheese and onions (The veggies are in the chili) Served with Whole Grain Crackers or Rice
  25. Build-Your-Own Potato with the works (Anything goes here!)
  26. Eggplant Parmesan and Garlic Bread

FREE Resources: Menu Planners & Shopping Lists

FREE Resources!
From Econobusters:
Free Menu Planning eBook

From OrgJunkie.com
Blank Menu Planner
Blank Grocery List Template (PDF)

From TheHomeschoolMom.com
Homeschool Planner & Menu Planner in One!
Menu Planner with To Do/Chore List

From KeepAndShare.com
Master Shopping List (PDF)
                                                Glueten-Free Shopping List (PDF)
                                                Lactose-Free Shopping List (PDF)

                                                From LivingLocurto.com
                                                FREE WEEKLY MEAL PLANS & RECIPES!
                                                (Including shopping lists!)

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