Family and Parenting: Information For Families

The use of creativity can turn any, and I mean any, dutiful detail into an amazingly fun time. If you add stickers, glitter, sequence, pipe cleaners, and scissors into the mix you will have them begging to know what’s going on.

The ultimate chore list for children, ages 2 through 10, is one that they create themselves (well, not all by themselves, of course). By getting to put their creative power and responsible attitude into this project it brings out an state of duty in a child. When you allow them to express a level of decision-making they feel a power that is all their own. Even if their decision is on the chores they want to do, it is none-the-less a decision that they have made on their own, and it gives them a sense of individuality.

You will need to gather your craft supply basket and maybe pick up some extras from the nearest craft supply store. You will want o have a large 11×17 piece of thick construction, scissors, glue or a glue stick, clipping of magazines, stencils, markers, etc. anything that will help your child utilize their creative tastes.

You will want to sit down with your child and talk to them about this list. Ask them what chores they prefer to do (yes, really) and also inquire what chores they absolutely hate. These disliked chores will be added, but used as Bonus chores. Be sure that all chores are age appropriate and in-line with the capabilities of your child. Make a list of all of these things that you have discussed.

Begin by using a pencil to write their name in big letters at the top of the 11×17 page. Then your next step will be to create a grid line matrix that will create as many squares as needed for the chores you have designated plus a few extra empty squares for the ones that will be add-on’s or bonus chores. You need to make sure that they correspond with a weekly outline so that your child can check their progress daily. You will need to decide if the list will be a one or two month calendar. The 11×17 is large enough for two months. Using pencil, write the name of the chore in each square. You can decide whether to put one chore per square, two per square, or create a trickle effect in which the table will flow down ward instead of across.

Now you will let your child decorate according to their wishes. Use stickers to check off their progress and keep the process going. Stick to it and results will show.