By: Natasha Higgins
As a parent, I feel that the most important job that we have is fostering independence within our kids. After all, they will be on their own one day and it’s up to us to make sure that we have given them the proper tools to be functioning and successful adults. I make it a point to hand over responsibility to my kids and keep them accountable for such. In doing so, it helps me out by clearing tasks off of my plate that I know they can handle. It’s all about teamwork!! Keep reading for 5 simple systems you can start in your home!
Chore chart
No one really likes chores (especially moms.) But my kids have a daily chore chart. It’s non negotiable and attached to their allowance. No chores, no money! It is located right next to their room for easy accessibility. It is also easily manageable. I also want to point out that I made it using items from the dollar tree, because who doesn’t like saving money! I started off with paper chore charts, but I found that those types of charts you have to keep redoing. Then, I even tried the wipe and erase boards, but even those had to be rewritten from time to time. With this, I do not have to remake or redo anything! I used a metal baking pan, magnets, and paint to color code each boy’s task. At the beginning of each day, I simply move which chore I want them to complete at chore time. When it is chore time, they do the chore and simply move the magnet to the “done” side of the pan to show that it has been done. At the end of the day, I move it back to the bottom to get ready for the next day. Simple!
Work for Hire
I’ll admit, this project was very short lived. My kids aren’t as driven by money as I was as a child so it didn’t really get the attention it needed to be effective. However, during its short lifespan, it did help get some extra things done around the house. In theory, this is just another chore chart, but it is completely voluntary. My eldest was constantly asking for more money (other than his allowance). The way my husband and I were brought up, you can never get something for nothing, hence this project was born. I created this by using the back of a small bookshelf that had fallen apart, a paint pen, sticky notes, sandwich bags and mini clothespins. Each sandwich bag had a sticky note with a chore written on it and the money that would be earned once it was completed. I sectioned off the chart because of the age difference in my boys. My eldest son’s chores required more vigor and were placed at the top, while my youngest’s chores were more simple and at the bottom. When they wanted money, they simply went to the chart, took out the chore, and handed it to me. This was for accountability so that I could check the chore they said they completed to make sure it was up to my standards. If it was, they were instantly rewarded by being allowed to go get the money out of the bag. Again, another simple yet effective project!
Lunch Caddy
I don’t know about every other mom, but for me, getting the kids up and ready for school in the morning is the most chaotic part of my day! Literally! Not only do they move like sloths, but there are 28 things that we need to do to be ready and out the door at a reasonable time. One thing that has really helped is our lunch caddy system. When the boys are finally finished dressing, washing their faces, etc, their last job is to make their lunch boxes (because this mom is NOT paying almost $3.00 for what they call “lunch” at school).
I found this idea on Pinterest and it has worked wonders!
All you need to make it is an over the door shoe organizer! (Who would’ve thought?) In each pouch is 2-3 snacks and a drink. At the bottom, fruits. The boys simply grab a pouch and all its contents, a fruit, and one snack from the fridge, which is normally yogurt, cheese sticks, lunchable, or something of the sort. Then, my eldest makes a sandwich, and the youngest grabs his microwaveable meal from the freezer. Whala! Lunch made!
Schedule
Part of fostering responsibility is keeping a schedule. The kids know what’s coming up, and therefore they know what to prepare for. No surprises. It keeps a routine so there’s little room for idle hands and minds. All you need is a pocket chart, card stock, and a sharpie. You will cut the card stock into strips and squares. On each strip you need to write the days of the week and the daily things that need to happen: homework, shower/bath, practice (both of my boys are in sports), dinner, chores, and bedtime. I’ve added some additional things that give me peace of mind as well such as quiet time and free time, and even some random things that we like to do as a family such as visiting the grandparents, movie night, crazy cooking and walks around the neighborhood. On each square, I put the time that each one of these things needs to get done. Having this schedule makes sure that everything that needs to get done, gets done, AND that the kids are in bed at a reasonable time. Easy peasy, lemon squeasy!
Of course, these are just suggestions. Every family is different with different needs, but I’d love to hear about your experience if you try them out! As always, spread knowledge, spread love!
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