The Chore Chart

A few months back, we combined ideas from a number of different places to come up with a system that works fantastically.  Below is a picture of Kendall's chore chart.  Each of the girls has a chart that is laminated.  The black writing is sharpie that stays there week after week.  The girls each have a dry erase marker that they use to check off the items once they are done.  We tried to keep it pretty basic.

How does it work?  Each girl starts the week off with 20 marbles (equivalent to $2).  The center jar is full of extras that they can do.  Each extra has a pre-determined marble value ranging from 2 to 5 marbles.  If they do an extra, Kevin or I have to make sure it was done correctly.  If so, they can place the stick in their marble jar.

What happens if they do not do what they are supposed to?  On the right of their chore charts, we all agreed on a few basic rules and consequences.  If they break a rule, they suffer the consequence.  Parent trick:  The last rule pretty much covers them all and then some "be respectful". 

We also agreed to pay them once a month.  This way, they can actually earn a decent amount of money.  They have come to realize that if they spend it all right away, they have awhile to wait before the next payday comes along.  This month has been a pretty rough one.  The first month, I believe they each had earned just over $10.

 We are three months into this now.  It has been simple and effective.