Kids Choice Chore System

This Kids Choice Chore System works by allowing kids to pick the chores they want to complete. You can use this system for daily chores as well as extra chores that are above and beyond.

My house is a lot of work. You all know what that’s like I’m sure. Between the kids, the cat, and the dog my house rapidly turns into a mess. I clean something, and 5 minutes later it’s a mess again. I go from room to room to room to room and back to the first room to discover it’s in disarray. Again. It’s hard to keep up. And I’m always the only one who seems to see the mess. Yet it’s always there, and very rarely is it my mess. It’s time for a change.

My older 2 kids are old enough to contribute the the running of our household! And certainly more than capable. I believe in age-appropriate chores. And I’m not just talking about things like clean your room and brush your teeth. Because they are now almost 10 and 8, I’m a believer that tasks like those are must-do’s and not ones that need rewarding. In real life, there are chores that just have to get done. Brush your teeth. Wash your hands. Clean your room. Feed the cat. All required tasks. But there are so many other tasks that need done around the house, and it’s time the kids pitch in.

A system that’s easy to keep and maintain.

I scoured for different system ideas that the kids and the hubby and I could maintain. I’ve tried the old chart and sticker system, but it always fell to the wayside. This time I was determined to find something that would work for us. So I put together a kids choice financial reward system.

The intent for this system, is for the kids to be able to earn some money, by choosing how they do it. We don’t buy a lot of extra toys and stuff for the kids outside of holidays and birthdays, but they are always wanting lego, and pet shops and barbies etc. Now with this chore chart system the kids have the opportunity to make and save their own money.

How to create a chore chart system (costs less than $10):

2 packages of large metal rim tags found in the office supplies section.
a magnet roll with a sticker backing, so that I could just attach the size of magnet that I wanted to the back of the tag.
I wrote each chore on a tag, and assigned a dollar amount.

How this chore system works:

You give them chore options. They pick the chores they want to complete. You could use this system for the EXTRA chores, not the day to day stuff they should do anyway.
Make the system visible and accessible! Ours is on the front of the fridge at their eye level.
The kids can pick and choose the chores they want to do. (And they can’t each do the same chore, so they have to negotiate with each other if there is conflict. Or it’s first come, first serve.)
Once they have completed their chore (after approval from Mom or Dad), they hang their completed chore tag on their assigned hook.
Friday is payday. On this day we add up what they have accomplished during the past week, and give them their money!

Chore Chart Tips!

There are some chores that don’t need done everyday or even weekly, so I just put those tags off to the side, and put them back on the fridge when I need them done.
I just put all the tags onto a pretty piece of scrapbook paper on the fridge. The paper keeps all the tags contained. And it’s looks nice too!

Chore Ideas for Kids:

Brush the cat.
Clean baseboards on the main floor.
Vacuum the basement.
Sweep after dinner.
Change your bed sheets.
Dust stair railings.
Vacuum the stairs.
Clean your bathroom tap, sink and mirror.
Empty dishwasher.
Parent’s choice, for those other tasks that come up from time to time.
The possibilities are endless!!

Honestly, the kids are so excited about this system! I can’t even tell you how much! My hubby & I exchanged several surprised looks over the weekend. We couldn’t believe how much was getting done around here. Our house feels and looks cleaner. And the best part….my daughter said “Mom, look how much I got done! I feel so good about myself!” AWESOME!

So I’m happy. The kids are happy and feel good. The house is clean. Win-win-win!

Have an inspired day!

30 Comments

I’ve tried several chore systems but in the end I end up shouting at the kids to pick things up and pack things away.

Thanks for the new idea, going to give it a try and see if works for the kids cause heaven knows I could do with a tidy(er) house!

I love this idea! We are trying this asap!!

hmmm…Nice post, thanks for sharing…, just waiting for new post
Thanks ya, Erni

I am so with you… why am I the only one who sees the mess?! And why does my home get MORE messy when my husband is home?! This is such a fun idea! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!

This is fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

Great idea for older kids! I’ll have to keep this in mind for when my 2 (almost 3) year old is to that stage.
Jeanette

Oh I love, love, love this idea. I am going to use it with my 16 year old and my 5 year old. This is genius! I have been looking for something that will get them motivated that I do have to micro-manage. This is so straight forward and makes them responsible for themselves. Thank you for sharing!

This is a great idea! And it looks great on your fridge while it is being “available”, unlike some chore systems that just look industrial and ugly. Your’s is pretty! Thanks.