One of the most common phrases we hear from Greyson is “I can do that!” Anything from putting on his shoes, getting dressed, making dinner, or doing our taxes. Greyson can do it all! 🙂
For a little while now, I have been thinking that Greyson would like a chore / behavior / reward chart. Alright, maybe I would actually like it more, but both of us could benefit from it. See, I am terrible at having Greyson clean up after himself. It drive Scott crazy, and I know it is not going to help Greyson in the long run. To meet in the middle I cam up with this chore chart (see below) titled “I Can Do That!” It will reward Greyson for specific chores, and will allow him to earn some extra special treats.
I have one that is partially filled in already. This is the one we will use for Greyson. It has the following “chores” already in place.
- Pick up toys- Greyson needs to start picking up his toys on a regular basis!
- Laundry – I am certainly not about to have Greyson man the washing machine, or fold and put laundry away. However, he already enjoys scooping the laundry soap for me, and pushing the wet clothes into the dryer.
- Dishwasher- Just like above, I will not have Greyson running the dishwasher. BUT he can help me put the silverware away. (Obviously not the knives!)
- Put shoes away- He is pretty famous for walking into the house and just kicking his shoes off. I think it is reasonable to have him put his shoes in the closet
- Dishes in sink- Simply, after meals he can put his dishes in the sink
I won’t pretend that I am going to be strict with this. There is little (besides manners, and appropriate behavior) that I am strict with. However, I hope that this will teach Greyson a little more responsibility.
I simply printed out the chore chart on 8.5 x 11 regular paper, laminated it, and will put a check mark, smiley face, or any other shape in the box for when he completed it.
Rewards!
Now, for completing his chores, Greyson will be rewarded. Don’t get me wrong, not everything in life deserves a reward. There are many things Greyson is required to do everyday that he may not like, and no instant reward is given to him. For example, no matter what he must brush is teeth twice a day, wear pants in public, and use shampoo (not lotion!) on his hair.
However, for these he will be rewarded. Every night when Scott gets home he gives Greyson the change from his pockets that he acquired throughout the day, then he and Greyson put it in his piggy bank. He uses those coins for games at the grocery store. When we go to the store we try our best to ask if he wants to bring any of his coins to play a game. It is up to him. I usually never have change on me, so if he chooses not to bring any but winds up wanting to play, I don’t just hand him coins…because I never actually have any.
So from now on, the number of coins he gets from his Daddy will correspond with his chore chart. If he has not done any of his chores when he gets home…we will save the coins for when he completes them.
Why?
Besides what I stated above, I am doing this for the following reasons:
- Help give Greyson a sense of purpose
- Teach him that not everything we do can fun
- Help him to understand that we all pitch in to make this family fun smoothly
- That the world does not just hand you money – you have to work hard for what you earn
- Mommy and Daddy and not your maids!
- The start of financial awareness
I have created a blank PDF printable version f this chore chart for you and your children!
Download the “I Can Do That” PDF HERE!
I would love to hear if you use this with your children, and how it goes for you! Do you have any reward systems already in place?
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