Making a Chore Checklist for Your Kids that They Will Follow

Making a chore checklist for your kids isn't hard - what's hard is getting them to do their chores. However, if your list is properly crafted, they will actually not mind chipping in. Here are five key points to remember as a parent when making a checklist.

Consider your Child's Age

A 7-year-old doesn't have the dexterity to wash dishes, and will likely feel very bad about him or herself if he or she breaks an important dish. This is like setting them up for failure. However, a younger child might be very good at wiping down baseboards.

Consider your Child's Likes

If your child doesn't like loud noises, then why make them vacuum? They are going to hate it, and guess what? It will be like a chore in and of itself to get them to do it every day. Choose something a little more calming, such as dusting or mopping.

Make it a Game

Instead of calling it a "chore" list, make it into a game. Cleaning the house and taking care of each other can be fun. Make it about having a good time, and it will be less of a "chore" and more of a "joy."

Make it Competitive

Make your chore checklist competitive. Whoever can do all their chores the fastest and most efficient gets a prize. What kind of prize? What about special privileges like a day off from chores, "shotgun" privileges in the minivan or a small (less than $5) prize at the grocery store.

Enforce it

Your kids will never take chore checklist seriously if you don't enforce it. Stand your ground, and whatever you decide - stick to it. No trading chores; no slacking. If you do these things you are just setting yourself up for more headaches later on.

Making a chore checklist is a mom (or dad's) chore. However, if you do it right your kids won't give you as much grief when they have to help out around the home.