After searching high and low for a “chore chart” (or what I like to call “expectations” chart) that would suit our needs today, grow with us in the years to come AND not totally tack-ify my mudroom, I landed in that dreaded place of “if I want it done right, I’ll have to do it myself.” Okay, so by “myself” I absolutely mean “with a lot of help from Honey.” I think these are just the bees knees.
Here’s how our system works:
The days of the week run across the top of the board.
The “to-dos” are in the left column and, as they are completed, they move across the white line to the “done” side. Each day I have six expectations to complete. Five are standard: make bed, read, pick up toys/clothes/etc, wash/brush teeth/go to bed, and use manners/listen/respect. The sixth is “mommy’s choice” and varies based on what we have going on that day. It could be helping with laundry, setting the table, helping with dishes, etc.
When, at the end of each day, every expectation has been fulfilled, one of the “good job” magnets gets moved up under that day. We don’t give partial credit.
Here’s the gist of how we got there…
1. Construct your base board.
Honey purchased two pieces of sheet metal (1’x2′ each, based on our space) and framed them out in a thin piece of trim so as to not slice any little fingers off. First pic = front view; Second pic = back view. Supplies from Home Depot.
Ok y’all, this was my virgin modge podge experience. And it was ALL it’s cracked up to be! If it weren’t for the craziness of school, I’d likely have modge podged half of my house by now. To make the “expectations” magnets, you’ll need your painted wood discs, modge podge, magnets and chores printed out and cut to 1 1/2″ circles.
…then stick the two together. Let dry for 15 minutes then go back and add a second thin coat on top. Dry for 15 more minutes, wash, rinse, repeat for the third coat.
4. Hot glue
Once your modge podged discs are fully dry, glue a magnet to the back of each one.
5. Finish up.
Glue the names to the top of the board and draw a line down the middle with a white paint pen. Honey drilled the boards right into the wall with a screw. I then put a dab of black paint on the screw to help it blend in.
This chart has helped tremendously around these parts. John is extremely motivated by money and the threat of lost earnings is usually just enough to keep him in line :-) Oh, and if you think my two year old that didn’t know his name, age or gender last week has all of sudden started unloading the dishwasher, fear not. Cookie’s chart is merely a place holder for now.
Speaking of the little monkey, I suppose it’s time to get him fed before the scrawling (as we affectionately call his full lunged cross between a scream and bawl) commences.
xoxo