Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Chore Chart

I spend EVERY morning asking: "Did you brush your teeth? Are you wearing deodorant? Are your toys and clothes picked up?" etc. In the future, I think someone will invent a robot that will follow kids around and repeatedly ask them these questions.  Since I'm fresh out of robots, I Used my Cricut and the Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge, to make a chore chart for each boy. I don't think it will solve my problem , but hopefully I can combine all of my nagging into one question: "Did you do you chore chart?"
I set it at size 5/12. Then I mounted each doll on a piece of scrapbook paper. I made each doll a pair of boxers, b/c I know that they could never get over it if the guy was naked. Just saying the word "naked" would bring on fits of hysterical laughter. It's probably even a little risky putting one out there is just boxers. Boys.

 Then I laminated the entire sheet and all the pieces..
 On the back of each shape, I wrote a job that they had to do:
Brush teeth
Make bed
Pick up clothes
Pick up toys
and for the older one Apply Deodorant

I also added a book, since I'd like them to read for 20 minutes/ day.  (school's been out a few days and I haven't seen anyone crack a book yet-but I have high hopes for July)

Each time a job is complete, they attach the piece to their guy. When all the jobs are complete, they get to score a point.  I cut out 7 each of both balls which they can cash in at the end of the week for their allowance.

If you want to learn a cute way to draw faces watch this video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fh_ScVfk24

(oops I forgot to put his book in the picture-but he has one)

I've gone back and forth basing allowance on chores.  I don't think it's right to pay them to pick up their toys.  But I do think allowance should be somewhat merit based  and cash is a good  motivator to get jobs done.  I'm going to try this.  I'll give them a set time to have all jobs completed.  If it's not done by that time, then I will do it and they will have to pay me and I am expensive.  Technically they're still getting paid to do their jobs.  I will also explain that sometimes I will just tell them do something and they have to do it b/c I am the Mom and they are the kid and that's just the way things are.  I do offer extra cash for extra jobs  like mowing the lawn or detailing my car etc. 
What do you do?

Linking up here.

Other handy hints here.

5 comments:

  1. First, cutest chore charts ever. Second, one of my boys just signed up for the Scholastic Summer challenge. It might be a fun motivator, also Barnes and Noble has one where you log 8 books, they have forms in the kids section. Pretty sweet. We still have 2 full weeks of school left....

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  2. This is adorable. I love that each is custom made for the child. And I agree, when they are this little, it's best to steer clear of payment. I think the physical act of adding each shape is the best positive motivation to be found!

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  3. Those are really cute chore charts! We do a similar system here, but my chart is not cute...it's boring...I need to be more like you :)

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  4. this is so clever,, you are very crafty indeed,

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  5. What is up with boys and no deodorant?! I basically have to stand in front of the door until I see them put it on....I have TWO teenage boys...oh the smelliness....uuuuuck!

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