I am really trying to get this house organized this year, but realized very quickly that I cannot do it alone. It is going to take the help of everyone in the family to get it accomplished.

The first step was a Family Chore Chart.

I knew that the chart needed to be in a place that we were reminded of our tasks often. I am using our back door that we use every time we come and go from the house. I also decided to include my husband and I on the chart.

First decide which chores you need to create magnets for. Here is the list for our family:

Taylor and Madelyn (they are 10 & 8):

Daily Tasks

• Set the Table (every other day)
• Brush Hair & Teeth
• Clean My Room
• Make My Bed
• Put Away Backpacks, Coats & Winter Gear
• Practice Piano

When Needed Tasks

• Clean the Basement
• Put Away Clean Clothes

Nadia (5):

Daily Tasks

• Pick Out Clothes for Tomorrow
• Get Dressed (we have a hard time getting out the door most days. She would like to stay in her PJs)
• Brush Hair & Teeth
• Clean My Room
• Make My Bed
• Put Away the Toys I played with Today
• Put Away Backpacks, Coats & Winter Gear

Dad:

• Take out the Garbage/Recycling
• Shovel Snow
• Mow the Lawn
• Laundry (Yes, Dad does most of the laundry in our house)

Mom:

• Kitchen
• Office
• Bathrooms
• Bedroom
• Living Room

I also made a list of each room and the tasks that need to be done in those rooms. They are covered in Contact Paper so that I can use a dry erase marker on them and check things off as I go. Then, erase them and start over the next week.

As we finish our tasks we move them to Done.

I just used my computer to make all of my chore magnets. Cut them out, covered them with contact paper and add a magnet. I used supplies I had at home. I actually cut up magnets that I already had and glued them to the back of my chore tabs.

After I had the chore chart created, I knew that I needed to add an incentive to get the chores accomplished. My girls are motivated by money so I knew that would need to be incorporated. However, I also wanted it to be a family affair so I didn’t just decide to give them an allowance each week.

I created a Mission Accomplished Jar out of a Peanut Butter Jar.

Everyday they can earn a quarter when they complete their chores. By the end of the week, if everyone does their chores we should have about $8.25. By the end of the month we will have about $35.00 in our Mission Accomplished Jar.

I also created a Family Adventures Jar.

This jar is full of ideas that we can use to spend our $35.00 as a family.

There are a few ideas that don’t cost anything (family movie & game nights) and their are a few ideas that will cost more than $35.00 (out of town overnight at a motel). So they can decide if they want to save it or spend it. This is helping to teach them how much it costs to do fun activities as a family).

I knew that one quarter a day wouldn’t be enough to keep them motivated so I added an additional twist. Each week if they have completed their tasks we will give them $5.00. They can either put this money in their bank account or spend it. We are going to have them use this money when they want to go to the movies with friends, buy treats at the concession stands at ball games, etc.

It is working so far. The girls are really excited to start earning some money and I am excited to have some help around the house. I will have to give you a future update on any changes I need to make.

Do you have a chore chart? How does your chart work?