a calendar I love...

I just love this downloadable calendar!

charts for kiddos... downloadable

I have said it before and I know I will say it again: I love charts!! This chart was a special request from my 7 and 9 year old sons. They came up with the idea, asked for the chart, and explained it to their siblings. They were feeling like one of their siblings (who's behavior requires a lot of help) was being rewarded for poor behavior. After a long talk, they decided this is how they would like to be rewarded for their good behavior. Let me just say, that conversation was one of the most heartbreaking talks that I have ever had. Hearing your children say that you haven't done a good job of letting them know you are proud of their good choices it tough! So without further delay, presenting Eli & Noah's chart. It's a blank one if you want to try it on for size. 

We have used charts in the past, each one a little different in purpose. This chart  has a duel purpose. Instill work/spend values as well as reward kindness & attitude. The center chart is similar to the one above, each child had a row. This is their place to record their "marks". The sheet on the left has ways to earn the "marks". The list starts with kindness to siblings and includes good attitude on trips, clean room, take out garbage, walk the dog, etc. The kiddos have an option to write (one of my boys most despised activities) additional ideas when they think of them. The page on the right is the spend page. It tells how the "marks" can be used. Just like the spend page, the kiddos have the option to write additional ideas (after approval). "Marks" have turned into a type of currency.

Happy Charting!

a chore for you and you and you...

The dread hasn't set in yet, as for now the kiddos are enjoying their assigned chores. Charts work well at our house. My kiddos (that do chores) range from 5 years old to 8 years old. I partner the kids together on some tasks so they learn to work together and a task with a partner is way more fun. This chart is divided up into 6 days. Mommy and Daddy handle the kitchen on Sunday. Each of the kiddos has only one task for that day of the week. Two kiddos have "washing the dishes" so that a five year old always has a bigger kiddo to help. The other task include spraying the counter (the favorite!), sweeping (the least favorite), and clearing the dishes. As with a lot of other things at our home, the kids are allowed to work as a team. So when one person is having an off day and refuses to perform their chore another sibling may (and often does) step in and complete the task. So as long at the task is complete there are no consequences even if one person did not work. They seem to find comfort in knowing their siblings will step in for them, and enjoy helping each other.

As you can see things don't always go as I planned. :) Sometimes there is a mess made, but soggy rug or not, the seeds of responsibility are worth sowing.

charting progress...

I love charts! Not because they look cute, but the peace they bring my household. We are currently enjoying the tea party chart. There are a few reasons this chart has worked so well for us. The first is that the rewards are quick. My kiddos don't have the attention span to work six months on a big prize. They only have to earn seven stickers for each part of their reward. The kiddos also go "outside the lines" and use their stickers at bartering tools with each other. I will clean your room for you if you give me two of your stickers, etc. Secondly, the kiddos feel like they are part of a team. Since they are all working toward the same reward (tea party) they have enjoyed talking and planning their contribution. Noah is very excited about cupcakes while Abby can't wait for brownies. They have been very encouraging to each other,"Becca, just one more sticker and I will help you make a cake." Most importantly, I have a easy reward/discipline. When they get in the car, buckle up, and are kind to one another they each get a sticker. But, if I hear an unkind word I will remove one of their hard earned smiley face stickers. We don't set up clear guideline about what constitute a sticker, so the kids will often ask if I _______ can I get a sticker? We don't have a set time frame for each chart, we just make a new one when they loose interest. Generally we have a new type of chart every other month. Some stick around longer than others, we still uses the reading club chart that we started back in November. I make my charts in photoshop, because I like the way they look. This is a blank, ready for your imagination and pen to make it fit your household.Happy Charting!!