Sidetracked Kids in Training
Idea #1:
SKIT can be used with a point system. The child earns 1 point per chore card that she/he does. The points are tallied at the end of each day. You will need to post a list of items for prizes. See my example Here. They can be anything you chose. Ask the kids to add items to the list also. You will need to figure out how many points your child will need to purchase the items.
You can give cards in the morning and then in the evening, before bed or whatever works for you. (We do chore cards once a day right after dinner.) Each child should have their own set of cards. Give as many or as few as you feel they can handle. I give about 6-10 each time I give cards.
Note: children younger than four may not grasp the point system the way older children do; continue doing the point system. Give them items off the list they really can afford. It will soon become second nature to them. It also helps to ask the younger children to do the chores and them have them move the cards to the done slot. Other wise, they will get sidetracked or not understand what you need them to do. There are no charge accounts!
You may want to invest in a dry erase board. Write each childs� name and a total of points. As the kids buy items, write in a designated area the name of the child and how many points they used. Be sure to re-total the points each evening.
Designate certain times of the day when items can be bought. You wouldn�t want them having a bag of chips before dinner or an ice cream treat for breakfast.
Idea #2:
Make cleaning the house something that everyone who lives there just does to be doing their part. After all, we don't get paid for cleaning house, but this is totally up to you.
Idea #3:
I give my children 8 and older an allowance. They get their age in dollars every month for doing their chores. The younger ones get colored stones that they keep in a jar for their chores. They use them similiar to the point system, only they can buy things at the store. It seems to be more interesting since they can see how things are exchanged, and it keeps them from losing real money.
I estimate each stone is 25 cents. They get one at the end of each day to put in their jars. They also know that I am not obligated to give them anything when they don't participate willingly during chore time.
We keep the cards in an envelope that I cut pockets into with a do or a done under each slit. This lets the kids see quickly what they need to do or have done. Click Here to make your own or use a childs' wallet seen Here.
Kids Bedtime Routine:
Here is another handy card to keep kids organized and give you extra time. This routine can include whatever you want. My example is below.
Home
Routines:
Morning Routine
Afternoon Routine
After Dinner Routine
Bedtime Routine
Getting organized:
Basic Weekly Plan
De-clutter
Home Blessing Hour
Zone Chores
Additional Help:
Address File
Cleaning Tips
File box
SKIT
Subjects
Summer Schedule
Welcome Letter
Yearly Reminders
6:30 Chore Cards
6:45 Bath Time
7:00 Put on P.J.'s
7:05 Go Potty & Get a Drink of Water
7:10 Story Time
7:45 Hugs, Kisses & Quite Time (or cuddle time) in Bed
8:00 Lights Out!