Last year when we adopted our two sweet children, we sort of went into “survival” mode. Both children had emotional issues, and they need weekly behavioral therapy. Bella was enrolled in a therapy school, and Casey had physical, occupational, and speech therapy. I was spending hours and hour each day on the road. I was happy if I could somewhat maintain the house, and assigning chores to my kids wasn’t even on my radar.
This year things are different. My kids have graduated from all their therapy programs. They are sweet, happy children. You’d never know that a year ago they had major issues. (Thank you, God!) And now it’s time for chores!
First, I found a FREE printable chore chart here.
I printed up three BLANK copies of the chart so I could tailor them for my kids.
This website also gave me great ideas of what kids could do a different ages.
Our list:
Bella (6)
- Pick up toys
- Put laundry in hamper
- Take dishes to sink after meal
- Make bed
- Set plates and cups for dinner
- Match socks
Alyssa (4)
- Pick up toys
- Put laundry in hamper
- Sort laundry
- Take dishes to sink after meal
- Make bed
- Set napkins and silverware for dinner
Casey (3)
- Pick up toys
- Put laundry in hamper
- Check mailbox
- Take dishes to sink after meal
- Make bed
I might add on more later, but this is a great place to start!
I know it’s going to take a couple of weeks for us to get our chores down, but I know the work I put in now will be worth it! I saw this with my first round of kids. The more training I put in now will benefit our family’s team work later.
Things I will start with:
- Create a chore chart.
- Explain it to the kids.
- Work with them through the day to follow the chart.
- Create a small award box.
How about you? How do you handle chores for your kids?
Steps You can Take
- Choose chores for your kids.
- Create a chart.
- Train them for their chores.
- Reward them!
Daily Prayer
Dear Lord,
Sometimes it’s so much easier just to do things myself than to train my children. Yet I know that so much of “today” is really about “tomorrow” and the men and women they will grow to be. Help me to be diligent, Lord, to teach them diligence. Help me to be faithful with my time, attention, home and resources, so my children will understand how to be faith to all things you have so graciously given us.
In Jesus name, Amen.
[Read more…] about Creating a Chore Time Routine for Preschoolers & Kindergarteners