Hello summer! Boy have I missed you! Welcome back flip flops, maxi-dresses and dips in the pool! What is unwelcomed is the break in the systems I use to keep my house running smoothly. If your family is anything like my family, these next few weeks will be spent adjusting to the “freedom” that summer brings.
One of the things that may be hard to manage between all the freedoms is the ability to keep the chores of the house in order. Let’s face it, kids hate chores and hate them even more in the summer. Never fear! Managing the chores in your house can be as easy as 1-2-3!
image courtesy of More Than a MemoryAK, click picture to view source
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Develop a revised chore chart (or start a chore chart) to distribute chores appropriately by age and equally. Make community areas everyone’s responsibility since those areas will probably be the hardest to keep clean.
Download a basic chore chart here: Chore Sign Up
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Attach a reward system to the chore chart. Most parents may opt for monetary rewards because they are quick and easy. You can also extend extra time for activities as a reward. For example, ½ hour earned at the pool for every day the chores are properly done. Or you can use a cumulative reward system. If chores are done every day of the week, the family will go to the beach.
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Have fun and be flexible with it! Kids hate chores because we nag about them. With this system simply remind the child about what they are missing out on if their chores are not done. Add in surprises like making Sundaes or movie night when the kids have been consistent. In the spirit of fun, make sure you verbally acknowledge the completion of the chores. Let the kids know that you appreciate them keeping the house clean.
**If you know that your child is overscheduled on a particular day, adjust the chart and assign the chore to someone else for the week.
Summer does not have to be the end of your tidy house. Implement these easy steps and enjoy the freedoms of summer.
Anonymous
I like the chore chart alot. I’ve been meaning to encourage the kids to do more around the house but I realized they need an incentive. Maybe not always money but trips to the creamery or dollar store for “fun junk” or extra dessert one night or a redbox rental or even bowling.
uneeka jay
I love the idea of treats! That is a good one!
Barbara Bradley Hoyer
I like the chore chart idea! Right now, I assign chores on an as needed basis. However, I think that I end up doing more than I need to, and the kids can learn to do things like their own laundry. When my oldest son comes back, I’m thinking about assigning Saturdays as his laundry day. I’ve also been thinking about assigning kitchen prep helpers. I do have a rotating set of 2 kids for setting the table.
I think the best way for me to get started is to sit down with the kids and talk about the chores they would like to do.
uneeka jay
My 11 year old does his own laundry. He also cooks a few meals (with supervision). Teach them to do it and them let them do it.
Lisalightner
Will this work for me? I don’t have kids old enough to do chores..I have trouble motivating ME in the summer.
uneeka jay
LOL! Now Lisa, let’s me work on a motivation chart for you.
Angela Hollis
Such an inspiration. I use a chart but it is NOT this detailed. I sign them up! Hahahaha!
Think I might start using this one cause it may give my children incentive to sign up based on the knowledge of how much they will be earning.