When using kids charts to get organized around the home, many parents will find a kids chart for chores or behavior online, print it out, post it on the fridge or somewhere equally prominent and then forget about it.

Usually this method of chart usage takes about two weeks to completely fail. The first week there probably is some sort of half-hearted usage from a child who finds it mildly interesting as the “next thing”, but by the second week, what little novelty there is has worn off.

Leading our frazzled parent to throw up her hands and exclaim that chore charts don’t work.

As a mom of four children, I am a big believer in using charts for chores, behavior, motivation and pretty much anything else I can think up. I do this for one reason; charts work. By that I mean, used properly, kids charts give a child a visual goal-getting target to hit that helps them connect the dots between what you expect them to do and their actual behavior.

To illustrate my point, let’s take a look at one particular chart usage idea and how it can be tweaked and focused.

– Using one chart for multiple chores, tasks and improvement goals.

This is a very common way to use a chore chart. I’ve done it myself many times. However, if you have a very busy child in mind or body, putting all his chores on one chart may mean that a) the chores don’t all get finished or b) the chores don’t get done very well.

It’s a case of too much expectation in too little space. Many kids just turn their effort off at this point.

To respond to this scenario, consider using a separate chore chart for each task. While that may sound overwhelming to you, to your child it may make more sense because his tasks are crystal clear and he can see the end before he even starts.

Here’s how to do it.

– Print off several free kids charts (use blank ones you can fill in yourself). Make one for your child’s bedroom, one for her bathroom and one for each living space you are wanting your child to improve, organizationally.

– Break down the tasks for that living space into three or four items, tops. You do NOT want to overload each chart! In fact, depending upon your child’s age and abilities, you may find it better to actually limit the chore per room to one and then break that one chore down into exact tasks. Remember, one of your jobs as a parent is to help your child learn quality work habits. It’s one thing to say “clean the bathroom”, it’s another to list “wipe the mirror – check for spots” or “wipe the counter – put all clutter away”.

– For many people – kids as well as adults – checking items off a checklist just feels more productive. You’ll also get more attention to detail if you list chores in a detailed manner.

For instance, if I give my child the chore of cleaning the dinner table I often find there are several parts to the chore that don’t get done the first time through. But a visual checklist of “put dishes in sink (check), throw away dirty napkins (check), wipe the table clean (check) and sweep under the table (check) has a much higher chance of being done to my satisfaction the first time. Which means no nagging plus I can give genuine back pats (I love that!) which motivates my kids to cooperate quicker.

So remember, when using kids charts for chores be clear about your expectations by going into detail. That means using multiple charts which may mean offering multiple rewards. And why not? If your child is working towards the simple goals you’ve laid out for him, he deserves to see the fruit of his labors and for him, that may need to be more than a clean floor in his room!

Author Bio: Let Colleen Langenfeld help you enjoy your mothering more at http://www.paintedgold.com . Visit her website now and get free kids charts for chores plus learn the 4 things you can show your kids by using charts.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: kids charts,free kids charts,kids charts for chores,chore charts