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The Consequence Chore System 

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Are you looking for some solutions to help you take naughty choices and turn them into being productive and helpful?

I have a card system that I use when my oldest boys get in trouble. This consequence chore system for kids works pretty seamlessly.

I have a set of approximately 15 index cards and each one has a chore written on it. The chores are the things I seem to never get around to. You know, the things that can never be done too many times with this many people living in one house. I realized I could create a system to delegate and teach some natural consequences.

The chore that is written on each card will keep one little boy busy for about 15-30 minutes. Depending on how focused they are and how long they want to drag it out. These chores encourage focus, while allowing him to work with his hands, and gives time to reflect. Perfect for my boys!

AND, it helps me as they contribute to he household.

This is not to say they do not have traditional chores that are expected of them on a regular basis like: cleaning their room, picking up after themselves, helping pickup the living room, etc.

Here is what you will need: 

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The Consequence Chore System 

This is how the consequence chore system works at our house.

Grab your index cards and your marker or pen. On each card you will write a household chore (or a small set of related chores) you would like to delegate. Improvise as needed, but here is a list of the chores we have included:

1) Clean the baseboards in the bathroom . Wipe down the side of the tub (outside part) and wipe down the shower glass doors with glass cleaner.

2) Clean the bathroom mirrors glass cleaner and wipe down the bathroom sink and counter top with our counter cleaner. 

3) Pair up socks for 30 minutes. We have a sock basket.… something I never ever recommend starting.

4) Clean the inside of the toilet with wand and cleaner and then wipe down the outside of the toilet from top to bottom with disinfectant cleaner.

5) Clean out from under your bed and inside your closet and put anything you find where it goes.

6) Wipe down the outside of all the kitchen cabinets and drawers with cleaner. 

7) Wipe down window seals in the dining room, living room, kitchen and your bedroom with cleaner.

8) Using glass cleaner, wipe down the light switch plates in ___________. (I list out each room on the card: kitchen, dining, living, etc, so there is no guess work for them.)

9) Clean the baseboards in the kitchen and hallways with cleaner.

10) Vacuum living room and sweep kitchen, dining area and front entry way.

11) Wipe down the outside of the refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and oven with stainless steel cleaner.

Grace Cards

Now, two of my cards are grace cards. The word grace is written on these cards and the definition as stated in the dictionary:

grace: goodwill; favor
a delay granted for an obligation
the love and favor of God toward man

 

When to Use These Consequence Cards 

When they get in trouble at home or school, the cards are presented to them face down and they draw one card, or two, depending on the offense.

They read their card out loud and if it is the grace card I like for them to acknowledge if they understand what grace is.

Finally….

While raising boys, it is very important to me they know how to do these things and never consider cleaning as ‘woman’s work’. They will live on their own some day, and they will not find me at their apartment cleaning! Someday, they will likely marry, and it is very important they help their wives. They may also have children, and with this in mind, I want my boys to grow up to be leading examples who assist in instilling and teaching their own children household cleaning.

It is very important to me my boys never consider cleaning as 'woman's work'. Click to Tweet

There you have it. Give it a try. I would love to know if it works for you!

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Amy

Tuesday 2nd of March 2010

Great idea! .-= Amy´s last blog ..Post It Note Tuesday =-.

Crystal & Co

Wednesday 24th of February 2010

Kelli, thank you again for allowing me to be a guest blogger on your amazing site! It was such a pleasure.

Lauren, so glad you like the idea. I have 4 yr old twins and have not come up with a list for them yet. Let me know what you come up with for your 5 yr old, I bet I could use some of them! Will sorting laundry make it on his list? Kidding! wink, wink .-= Crystal & Co´s last blog ..Once Upon a Time You Trusted Yourself =-.

Mama Laundry

Tuesday 23rd of February 2010

THAT is fabulous! My oldest is only almost 5...but I can think of *plenty* of things to write on those 15 cards.

Love this!

-Lauren

Crystal & Co

Tuesday 23rd of February 2010

The 'click here link' does not seem to be working... it takes you to an Ask dot com site.

You can check me out at Crystal & Co- www.fourcrazychildren.blogspot.com .-= Crystal & Co´s last blog ..Once Upon a Time You Trusted Yourself =-.

Kelli

Tuesday 23rd of February 2010

@Crystal & Co, Ok, that is weird! It worked when I checked it. :-( I will see if I can fix it :-)