A duties chart, also known as a job chart or chore chart, is an excellent method for teaching children about responsibility. It can also serve as a motivator for a child of any age to do her part in maintaining the household. Personalize the chore chart with your child's name, and take into account a child's age and abilities when establishing the tasks. Whether you reward your child with stickers, money or simply the satisfaction of contributing as a member of the family, be sure to acknowledge her work with lots of praise.
Step 1
Make a list of the chores you'd like your child to complete daily or weekly. Toddlers may have only a few tasks. For older children and teenagers who have more responsibilities, you may need to subdivide the duties into time periods, such as "Before School," "After School" and "After Dinner."
Step 2
Describe the tasks in a specific, clear way. "Make bed" and "put away toys" are easier directions for a child to follow than simply "clean bedroom."
Step 3
Determine the reward system you will use with your child. You may prefer to give your child money as he completes tasks on the duty chart, in lieu of a lump-sum allowance. Younger children respond to earning stickers.
Step 4
Purchase a large piece of poster board and make a grid with eight columns and as many rows as you have duties for your child. In the first column in the top row, write "Duty," "Chore" or "Job." In the remaining seven columns, write the days of the week. Then list your child's chores under the column marked "Duty."
Step 5
Use your computer to create a spreadsheet, if you prefer. Some websites allow you to customize and print chore charts, and some can even be managed online.
Step 6
Discuss the chart and the duties with your child. Be sure she understands how to complete each of the tasks on her list and has access to any supplies she will need to carry out a job.
Step 7
Place the chart in a prominent place where both you and your child will see it often.
Step 8
Place a sticker or star in the squares of the grid as your child completes his tasks throughout the week, or let him place a sticker himself. Follow through with any other incentives, such as money or privileges, that you have agreed upon with your child.
Step 9
Periodically evaluate how the chart is working and make adjustments as necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- Make the chart easy to understand for a prereader by adding pictures or symbols, suggests FamilyEducation.com. For example, add a picture of a laundry basket beside the task "Help fold the towels." You can even add small photographs of your child performing the task as a reminder of how you expect her to do certain chores every week.
Things You'll Need
- Poster board or computer spreadsheet
- Stickers or stars
