finally - a chore chart… well, kind of

I've been wanting to put together a chore chart ever since the kids were home from school… and actually had hoped to get one done before then.  Well, it hasn't happened until today… well, kind of.  The kids have also been anxiously awaiting this, because it was somehow going to be tied to an allowance.  They've been asking me at least once a day when I'm going to get one done.  I just wasn't sure exactly how I wanted to do it.  I had looked on pinterest awhile ago and nothing jumped out at me.  I need something that will chart daily chores for each kid (all could be different) and weekly chores, too.  Some more than once a week, but not everyday either.  Just confusing to try to put something together in a two-dimensional format.  I would see really cute ideas, but nothing that I felt would actually function the way I wanted it to.  Didn't want to spend a ton of time on something that I didn't think would actually work the way I want it to.  Hence the reason for my procrastination! :)

Today, I told the kids I would sit down and look through pinterest again and try to figure something out.  Well, I looked and looked and still couldn't figure it out.  Then I came across a pin for an app called myjobchart.com.  Looked interesting.  It was free, so I enrolled online, set up the kids, added some chores and started getting very excited!  I think I finally found what I needed!!  It's perfect!  I can add each kid and give them each chores… some the same for each kid (make bed, clean room, etc), some they each do on different days or different times (feed Maggie, vacuum, dust, etc) and some are extra jobs (help babysit Kate and Nate, extra reading, etc).

There is an app that I put on my phone.  I can manage each account from there if I want to.  Rachel and Eli also have the app on their electronic devices and can check off their chores as they do them.  They can each log on to their account and make all updates there.  They love that they can check things off!

Of course, everything has points associated with it.  And, each point equals one cent.  That is also very motivating.  I've read many things about giving kids allowance and whether or not it should be tied to chores.  I tried one way last Summer and it worked okay.  This time around most chores are given points… it definitely helps with motivation.  So, they can accumulate points and use them for rewards… or getting cash to use for whatever they want.

I'm also incorporating behavior.  The best way I found to deduct points for poor behavior is to add a reward they can use points for called "whining" and "arguing."  Not really considered a reward, but it allows me to tell them to give me points for whining or arguing, etc.  Today was our first day with the app, so I didn't take any points away.  But, I did alert them to when they were whining and arguing and said that tomorrow I would take points for that.  They would stop right away.  So, I think this'll work!! :)

They were excited to get to all their chores today, so they could check things off and get points!  Loved it!!!  Rachel was asking to dust, Eli was asking to vacuum… I wanted to listen to a call for R+F and they both wanted to help watch Kate and Nate!  Of course, it's all about the points, but hey, I'll take it!  Whatever motivates them I'm going with at this point!  Loving this already!!! :)

I do like to do things my way, so giving up some of that control will take some getting used to.  They don't vacuum like I do, they don't clear the table quite like me… so, today was a lot of teaching and training.  Yes, I redid some things they did, but they will get there.  Initially, everything will take longer with their help, but with time, patience and training… things will be awesome and I will be able to tackle some things I normally can't find the time to do because the everyday stuff usually takes up a lot of my time.  I'm looking forward to it! :)

Here are some screenshots… love this!!

[some chores]

[points by child]

[even a message board]

Keep smiling!