We've had several different systems throughout the years {chore charts, 'heart charts', bribery, you name it} but ultimately for our life, I find it simplest to simply say 'I'm cleaning today and I need your help'. I usually write a list of what needs done in a notebook and we all just pick a chore to tackle, cross it off when it's done, and pick another one until the list is complete. Nothing fancy, but it helps them to see that we're a team -- we all make the messes and we all clean them up. I am not a maid & I'm determined to raise capable children!
This is a list of common chores our kids do. They're 7 & 8 now, but have been doing most of these things since kindergarten, and some toddlerhood. Bold are daily tasks they're just expected to do -- I sometimes remind them.
- Feed Lola
- Take Lola out
- Help put groceries away
- Wipe down counters & appliances in the kitchen
- Empty small trashcans
- Restock toilet paper in the bathrooms
- Wipe down their bathroom sink & counter
- Scrub toilets
- Empty the dishwasher
- Vacuum
- Wipe down the baseboards
- Fold laundry -- they always fold their own laundry
- Put their laundry away
- Bring in packages from the doorstep
- Clean out the car
- Water flowers
- Help pull weeds
- Pick up sticks
- Bring in trashcans from the driveway
