Turning Chores Into Smiles

May 2nd, 2008 • Related • Filed Under • by Debbie Dragon

We want to teach our children to be responsible and finish household chores that are assigned to them. Nothing motivates a child to succeed at their responsibilities like the thought of a reward. While most parents turn to allowances and other monetary compensation for completed chores, we can choose to walk a more cost conscious path using an award point system.

* Assign each chore a point amount. Washing dishes may be worth 10 points. Raking leaves may be worth 25 points. Make sure the points are right for the task. The more difficult or time consuming the task, the greater the points assigned. Record the list of chores and points on a decorative piece of poster board or stationary and hang it in a place with easy access for your family.

* Make a list of rewards that can be chosen at the end of each award period. Knowing your family’s likes and interests will help a great deal with this part of the project. Getting total control of the remote control for 2 hours may cost 300 points. Grabbing an hour of basketball time with Dad may cost 500 points. You are only limited by your creativity in selecting rewards. The important thing is to choose rewards that cost little or no money but appeal to your family.

* Each child is given their own points savings account. When a task is completed, they receive credit for the amount of points rewarded. There are several ways to do this quickly. Have each child be in charge of one note card that is their balance sheet. List all credits to this note card. Alternately, you may want to hand out small coin shaped papers or poker chips that have been assigned a point value. Be creative and find the best method for your family.

* Consider having a family rewards account, as well. Use a decorative board to note awarded points. Family points may be calculated through larger chores that are completed as a family. A day of yard work may net the family 100 points. Alternately, you can keep a cumulative record of each individuals rewards on the family board and once a certain number is reached plan a big family event. A picnic lunch at a favorite park would be an excellent choice for a family reward.

Have fun with this! Invite your family to join you in deciding the point values and rewards. Knowing they are working toward goals that they had a hand in creating is exciting and motivating for most children. Best of all, you get to teach your children the importance of responsibility without breaking the bank.

This is a guest post written by Catherine Chadwick, a student of MakeMoneyFromWriting.com, where she is learning about the writing process and how to start an online freelance writing business.