As anyone with children knows, it’s hard to find something that encourages children to help you out around the house. The novelties of hoovering and polishing soon wear off after they realise it’s a bit too much like hard work. However, now we’ve got an extra body in the house (hi, Milo!) it’s been really important for us to try and instil some kind of routine with the boys, but also an air of responsibility.
I never thought I’d be that mum that got her kids into doing “chores” at an early age. Some might see it as them doing “chores” but I see it as a way of setting them up for what to expect in the real world later in life, taking a bit of responsibility and showing them that if we all chip in together and get things done, then we are rewarded with more time to play which is ultimately what childhood is about.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about getting them to scrub out baths and disinfect the loos, but simple things they can do to help around the house and in turn, they’re rewarded with more play time. For us, it was about finding a way that we could communicate to them that ticking off jobs got rewards.
Learning Resources recently sent us a ‘Good Job Reward Chart’ to test out with the boys and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get a bit of routine and responsibility on the go. There’s not a full list of chores for the boys, don’t panic, but there are basic things for them to do and complete before school, after school and before getting to do an activity of their choice.
Customising The Responsibilities
The Learning Resources Good Job Reward Chart allows you to customise the responsibilities you hand to the children. You can use some of the 84 magnets that come with the chart to set out tasks. Some of them didn’t really apply to us, but this chart is for children aged 3-12 so there’s quite a wide array of responsibilities; ones we wouldn’t use refer to pets and instruments but there may come a time where these are necessary.
If there isn’t a magnet that reflects a task you’d like them to complete then there are 6 plain ones which you’re able to write on or the chart is dry wipe, so you’re able to write on the task and wipe it off once it’s done or needs changing.
I really like this because it means that anything can be included and, as every household is different, it becomes really inclusive.
Rewarding The Responsibilities
The chart has each day of the week on so it certainly helps to create some consistency around what you’d like them to do. It could be that the first three tasks of the day need to be done every day, but that other tasks only happen on certain days.
It’s divided up so you’re able to place magnetic ticks and words of encouragement such as “nice job”, “way to go” and “you’re a star” when a little extra praise is needed.
There’s also a space for putting magnets where you’ve caught them doing something outside of their responsibilities that you may also like to reward; things like being brave, good listening and using manners can all be rewarded in a separate space.
Storage
The chart comes with a string so you’re able to place it up on a wall; it can only be freestanding if leaned against something. The magnets have a storage space at the bottom of the chart and there’s also a reward box where you can place small treats should there be a streak of completing the tasks. It’s all very compact and minimally invasive, but so has a place in the home for those looking to encourage their kids into helping out and getting into a routine with things.
Did It Work?
It has certainly helped Toby and Teddy appreciate just how much that goes on around them without them realising. It has also brought out a bit of “teenage attitude” in Toby where we’ve had the odd huff, but that’s to be expected. Off the back of this, we’ve been able to get Toby to make his bed without asking and get ready for school in the morning without having to prompt him.
It also means we get a bit more done around the house because we all spend times on tasks and the boys know just how helpful it is to do something for us when we’re caught up with Milo. I’d happily recommend this as a means of reward, although I’m not sure how effective it will be when they’re a bit older – these things kind of tend to wear off and then perhaps some new methods, but it’s certainly something we can keep using for now as long as it works!
*We were sent this product in return for a review. All views and opinions are my own.