DIY Projects: Chore Chart

My children are 10, 9, and 7, and I constantly struggle with ways to make them more responsible in a fun and rewarding way. We have gone back and forth in our house in regard to chores and allowance. Hubby and my first thoughts were that allowance was not necessary, but as members of our household, as the children got older they would have increasing responsibility for themselves and for basic household upkeep. My kids are good kids and help out but I got tired of the daily struggle of toys, clothes, and wet towels spread all throughout our house. Hubby got tired of the daily struggle of getting the kids out the door every morning. This is where the chore chart (or responsibility chart as we like to call it) came into play.

We had been using a responsibility chart for the past 6-9 months. Our first chart was an Excel spreadsheet which I made and printed out weekly. The kids were each assigned a daily chore and paid 50 cents per day that they complete it. Everything else on their list is simply responsibilities they have to get themselves ready in the morning, after school, and before bed.

I wanted a more permanent solution that did not involve me printing charts weekly so I began to search online and through Etsy for chore charts. I found some great ones but none that worked exactly as I envisioned for our family of 5. Hubby suggested I make my own to save money and viola, the chore chart was born.

I bought a framed dry erase board from Target ($15) and measured out three equal section and wrote each child's name at the top.

For the chores I found these craft, wood stars at JoAnn and used a hot glue gun, roll of adhesive magnets and colored sharpie markers ($12).

The basket was in the school supply section of Target ($3) and it holds all the magnets when chores are completed.

Each day the child completes their chores, they receive a 50 cents star and are paid weekly on Sunday for the money they've earned each week.

Once all their chores (responsibilities) are complete the board looks like this.

They put the completed chores into the basket to be reused for the next time and I put up a 50 cents star at the end of the day.

Total I spent $30 and 45 minutes of my time. The chart helps motivate my kids and is an easy way for me to keep track of who is done with their responsibilities that day and how much allowance they have earned each week. My kids save their allowance for toys they want, trips they want to take, and even day-to-day treats like an ice cream or candy bar. It really is teaching them the value of money and that you have to save to get what you want instead of instant gratification.

Any questions, let me know!

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