Helpfulness
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to sin; but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
I looked up “how to teach your kids to be helpful” on Google, and nearly everything I read said, “Make a Chore Chart.” Well, I have a chore chart, but I have just utilized it in a different way. They hadn’t been given actual chores…yet. They had options for helping and making money through ourchore ring, or I would just ask them to do certain tasks. I figured maybe it was time to use the chore chart for its intended purpose.
I had seen this cute Melissa and Doug one in the stores a long time ago. I said to myself, “I don’t have to buy that. Surely I can make something like it.” I went around and collected all the things I wanted at my local craft store. I paused by the front register adding it all up mentally, and I thought to myself, “This is ridiculous. I’m spending a crazy amount of money trying to re-create something I really like and will be cheaper in the end.” So, this was the one we ended up with. Like I said, I wasn’t using it with it’s intended purpose as daily chores. I would just put a magnet up when I saw them accomplishing certain tasks. Since Sunday, we worked on trying to have daily tasks. I tried to both make them age appropriate and things that don’t come always naturally to them yet. I also chose one or two that they are pretty good at, so that they are guaranteed some success. I’m glad to start having this system in place.
We have this, however I have not started using it yet…you’re motivating me to get it hung up and into place! Update us on how it works for you and how you continue to keep them working on their chore chart.
I will. It’s going to just be a matter of me following through and making it happen. I’ll try to keep you informed.
So did you make yours or is this the Melissa & Doug one you talked about? I was confused by your post on what was the cheaper option. I love the idea.
Sorry I wasn’t clear. This is the Melissa and Doug version, and I found it cheaper to buy rather than try and make my own involved version. Melissa & Doug did a great job with it, so I’d say just buy theirs. Thanks for asking!