I’m always on the hunt for ways to make life with three active kids run a little smoother. One of the things that I have the hardest time with is chores. Blech. Tell me I’m not alone. Pleeease? I’ve posted about the subject before.
I know how much I argued with my mom when I was growing up and got out of them. But just like everything else, now as a mom, I know how important they are. Ok mom, you were right. 
Doing chores isn’t my kids favorite thing, but technology is high on the list. Chores + technology? A little more manageable.
I signed my family up for Chore Pay and gave it a whirl. It’s a free online tool for kids to do tasks and chores. There’s a welcome video (click on the banner right in the middle) to show you what it’s about and how it works.
It’s user friendly, straight forward and encourages saving, spending and donating. My kids like that they can log in, see new notifications easily and get to work- it gives them control and independence. I like that while they feel independent, I am the one assigning chores and the amount of money or stars per task. I also get to rate the job that they did with a thumbs up or thumbs down and leave comments.
I can’t promise you that your kids will beg to do chores with Chore Pay. But it sure made things easier around here.
Over the summer I finally got serious about my 12, 10 and 6 year old doing chores. Chore Pay will hopefully help continue our streak. We started simple which I think is key. There’s still some work that needs to be done:
Yes I’m scared to open my cabinets.
I would love to know your thoughts on chores. How do you get your kids to do chores?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Chore Pay.
These are my opinions about how awesome I think Chore Pay is.
My kids do have chores also. They each have one job a day to do. During the school week, it’s something easy. On the weekends it is something that is a bit more time consuming, but not too much so.
I think I’m in the minority because I’m not a fan of allowance for their daily chores. I feel that it’s good to teach the kids to help out without being paid for it. We all make a mess, we can all help clean it up. Throughout their entire lives, there will always be every day messes to clean up. I feel it’s good to teach them how to clean up “just because” it needs to be done, not because they’ll be paid for it. I want to teach them that there is a “reward” in having a clean house and a sense of accomplishment in their actions without money involved.
I choose to teach them the value of money, saving and giving in other ways that are not attached to daily chores.
I think it’s awesome that you have your kids do chores to contribute to the family. And that they clean up “just because.”
Just FYI- Chore Pay has the option of stars instead of payment.
While I can see your point about not paying kids for chores or every little thing they do, I think it’s important to acknowledge and encourage them to continue doing the good that they do in some way.
I say- do what works for you and what you feel is right for your family.
Thanks for the comment!
Yes, I agree with making sure they know they are doing a good job, that is a very important part of teaching also. There are so many details I could have added but would have ended up writing a novel. :)
I am in full agreement also that just because something works for us, doesn’t mean it should or will work for someone else. Just because we do it this way, doesn’t mean we’re right and those who pay allowance are wrong. I can fully respect those who do and realize as parents we try to do what works best in our each unique situation.
Thanks for responding to my response! Sometime you’ll have to send me the novel version. ;)
Probably the biggest lesson that I’ve learned as a parent is that you have to do what is best/works for your family and to keep learning. Just when I think I have something figured out…I’m humbled and reminded that life is all about learning and growing. It’s a huge lesson in being nonjudgmental for me. Having a special needs kiddo has taught me that to my very core- you never know what someone else is going through, where they’ve been, etc. It’s a struggle for me still, but I’m at least much more aware now.
I so appreciate what you wrote and for taking the time to do it. I know that chores are just a tiny part of parenting but I value hearing other peoples perspectives. Thanks!
We use chore sticks in our house and it has been a big help!
I posted about it here: http://steenhealthsolutions.com/2012/04/17/diy-chore-sticks/
Those look great Krysta! I love that you have a parents one. ;) Josh would be so happy if I did that too.
I need to get my seven year old started on chores, but I am not sure what to have him do. What chores does your 6 yo do? Any ideas would help greatly.
Hi Heather- I found this awesome printable from the Happy Housewife with a good list of age appropriate chores. My six year old happens to be the cleanest of my kids. He enjoys helping and cleaning! (I know, weird right?) It’s my 10 yr old and 12 yr old that give me a hard time. But my six year old cleans his room, makes his bed, washes the dishes, cleans kitchen counters and taught him to do laundry this summer – he LOVES it. It’s just like everything else though- you have to tailor chores to each child. My youngest learned how to do all of that before my 10 yr old because he wanted to. Hope that helps!
i so need to do this in our house! omg, you have no idea how perfect the timing of this post is!
best of luck to your new chore helpers! ;)
xo
kellie
Thanks Kellie- good luck with your chore helpers too! xo
I agree. Kids need chores to learn responsibility. Even if they don’t do as good of a job as I would have done, I think it’s good for them to do them and learn how to do them. I love that picture of your cupboard Mique. LOL
I have a laminated chore chart and they can check it wach day to see what their chores are for that day. I am excited to check out Chore Pay.
xoxo
That’s a hard thing I’m learning Jen- they learn just like I did, with lots of practice. I need to remind myself constantly that it doesn’t need to be perfect. As long as they’re doing them and getting better each time, that’s what is important. xoxo
What a cool idea! My three girls a responsible for one chore a day. We have a chart on the fridge that I will place the sticker on when the chore is completed. I decided on the chore while they are at school. Since this is the first week back to school, we are taking things a day at a time. Next week, this momma will be in full force.
I think that’s super smart- pacing yourself with back to school. To make a real habit of doing chores simplicity seems to work best for us..when we go full force it’s hard to keep up. But when we add one at a time it works so much better. Thanks for the comment!