[wife&mom]

For those who use them (or have used them in the past) what do/did you have on it?

I'm trying to implement a chore chart, and was thinking of using a penalty/reward type system.
For example do the chore get a sticker, no chore = X, at the end of day/week/month (I haven't figured that out yet) if there are more stickers then X's then a reward of some sort is given.

Since I've never done anything like this before, I'm wondering if the chart should just be two columns, done/not done, or if I should list specific age appropriate chores like clearing dishes from the table after a meal.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggests on what has worked for you?

[Sweet Pea]

I would keep it short - like a week max. It is better to do it short term to keep the interest and make it positive with a quick reward. As they get older you can always increase the time before a reward. I am also a fan of the stickers/happy faces for when the chore is done but I prefer to leave the square blank if the chore is not done. Keeps it positive and they learn quick why the square is blank rather than putting a big X in it.
We usually do a column of chores and the days of the week in a row across the top. I have a great link I will look up for you to create and print your own personal chore charts.
Good luck. We have always had great success with them and my boys ask to make them!!

[Sweet Pea]

http://www.dltk-cards.com/chart/index.html

[somebunny]

i know that there is a board made by 'melissa and doug'. it looks great, its a wooden magnetic board i think. i have seen them at toysrus and chapters. my guess is that they must be about 20.00-25.00.

toysrus has them on sale from time to time.
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Mommy to Rachel,
born July 2006

[HaydensMommy]

[Nolan's Mommy]

They had the Melissa and Doug one at Play and Learn, Chapters and ToysRuS. $25 at each place.
_________________
Lil' Wallaby Slings - www.lilwallaby.com
Nolan Daniel arrived July 14th, 2005
Grayson James arrived November 14th, 2007
Griffin Finley arrived September 10, 2009

[Hayley_N_Gracie]

Here is a cute free chart

http://www.modecokids.com/index.php/2009/10/21/free-printable-chore-chart-for-kids/

[Whiteflower]

I like that last link! The non-pressure is a nice way to go, just a record of the things he does for him to be so proud of.
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My boys were born in Oct 2006 and Nov 2009. Sincerely, one lucky lady!

[Lucy]

I just made my own on EXCEL and colour coded it for each child.
My son has to take out/sort the recycling every day; set the table for supper, dust 1x/wk, wipe the kitchen cupboard doors 1x/wk (maybe we're messy, but something always seems to be slopped down them!). My daughter has to unload the diswasher daily, vacuum 1x/wk, put the clean towels away, etc. Those types of things. Both have to put their laundry away 1x/wk.
We don't pay allowance (everyone does chores as a member or a family), but when they ask for things (spending money to go out with friends, to go to a movie, have a sleepover, or whatever), our answer may depend on how well their chore lists are checked. On the odd occasion someone is slacking off, they get the DS or Wii taken away OR they get the ultimate punishment ----cleaning up the dog poop from the lawn! Doesn't happen too often.

[me and my boys]

[wife&mom]

[kareen]

What age do most people get their kids to start chores?
Right now about the only thing Evan does is clean up his toys at night before bath/bed. We help him and most nights we do most of the work, but at 21 months what other things do kids at that age help out with?
There is no way I would start an allowance at this age because he would never understand.
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mommy to Evan...my heart my soul
my pride my joy
my boy
my everything
July 11 2008

[wife&mom]

We've just implemented it in the last 2 weeks, and my guys are 3.5 & almost 5 years.

We've also got a couple of "gimmies" on the chart, like Brush teeth AM, Brush teeth PM.

We did our best to put age appropriate chores on it like Clothes in hamper, pick up toys, hang up coat (we have hooks at the front & side door).

Because I don't really consider what they are doing true chores we're only giving them $1/week as allowance if they get a suitable amount of stickers on their chart. Like each category needs to have a least one sticker/week. We haven't sorted it all out yet, and so far they don't care. They do it for the stickers and not the allowance.

[CindyS]

This one is cute:
http://www.heritagekids.ca/shop/main3_kids.asp?ProductID=708
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Cindy, Benjamin's mum, born Feb 15 2006.
Moved to Kingston from Rochester, NY, originally from Montreal.