Getting Kids on Board for a Clean 2013: DIY Chore Chart

Written By: DIY & Craft Contributor, Katie Femia

It seems as though parents have been looking for ways to get their kids involved in the chore process since the beginning of time! You may have tried bribing, yelling, or just cutting your losses and doing all of the chores yourself. Well in reality, setting clear expectations of what each child is expected to do is the best way to get kids on board with chores.

Children understand expectations best when they are presented to them visually. A chore chart is a perfect way to show children what jobs they are responsible for. Now if your house is like mine, a poster board taped to the wall isn’t going to do it. You may need something more durable and way more exciting!

Take a peek at this easy to make chore chart that is not only durable, but fun for your child to use.

Supply List:

Cookie sheet (dollar stores carries these for $1 and will work just fine for this)
Magnetic strips (craft stores sell these for less than $4.)
Precut, flat wood shapes (available at most craft stores for less than $4)
Permanent black marker
A picture of each child
Old magazines
Tape

 

Directions:

1. On each of the wood shapes, use your marker to write down the different chores that need to be completed. Keep each task simply worded and direct. For example, “make bed” or “unload dishwasher.”
2. Apply a small piece of magnet to the back of each shape. Magnetic strips are typically already sticky. If not, just apply a small dab of glue. Set aside to dry.
3. On the side of your cookie sheet, apply a picture of each child who is needing to complete chores on the side in a vertical fashion. Pictures should be small and not require a lot of room. You can write each child’s name with your marker right on the sheet if you wish.
4. At the top of your cookie sheet, simply make two columns. One should read “To Do” and the second should read “Completed.” You can write these on wood shapes or write directly on the sheet with your marker.
5. Take your shapes and place them in the “To Do” column, next to the name of the person responsible for them.

6. As each child completes the task on their magnet, they move it to the “Completed” side. Easy peasy!
7. So what about the old magazines? Give kids magazines to cut out a small picture of a goal they want to work towards. A new book, a special meal, some extra playtime, etc. These are all simple and inexpensive goals that are fun to work towards. Of course you will want to talk to them about what goals are realistic. Once they have cut out a small picture, it can be taped to the chart as a visual incentive!

The idea is for children to be able to move all of their magnets from one side to the other, and have a visual idea of what is expected, what has been completed, and what still needs to be completed. Your cookie sheet can be taken anywhere in the house and propped up as a reminder, or simply hot glue ribbon to the back and hang it!

Children like being involved and working towards goals. This chart is the perfect way to bring some clean to your house in 2013!