The system

Like most moms I have always hoped to find a good system for dealing with chores in the best way possible. Last summer a friend of mine showed me chore chart she purchased at a homeschool convention. I really liked it but it was like $15 and I knew I could make my own, so I did.

It's not a very good picture but you can see the general idea. On the left is a "To do" column and a slot with each person's name on it and on the left is the "Done" column. Each chore is moved from the "To do" to the "Done" column when it is finished, and then each morning I just move them back. In between the two columns I have a favorite Bible verse.

This part of the system has worked fairly well for us from day one. The dilemma for me has been figuring out what chores to assign. At first the chores were way too easy...things like brush your teeth, make your bed, etc. But now I'm finally getting a grip on what they are really capable of.

The photo below is my big boy vacuming the hall. His other chores are

• straighten the homeschool bookshelf and kids bookshelf as needed
• help Mom with laundry as needed
• vacum the living room everyday
• clear the table as needed
• scrub the toilet inside and out everyday
• clean his bedroom and make his bed everyday
  

Next you see my little boy cleaning out the sink in the bathroom. He must love this job because he spends about 30 minutes doing it everyday! His other chores are

• wipe the counters and stove while Mom does dishes
• vacum the kitchen floor
• clean the litter box
• feed and water the pets and plants
• clean his bedroom and make his bed
  

These are chores that they have each chosen for themselves and are very helpful to me so I couldn't be more pleased! I'm hoping that we (I) can be consistent and therefore live in less chaos!