Genius.
One mum’s family chore chart recently went viral, with parents applauding her for her genius system.
Working on a points system, Australian mum-of-two Keira Alexander created a spreadsheet that gives points for doing chores around the house, but fines for things such as clothes or towels on the floor, a messy room, backchat, or being rude, lying, and fighting.
According to Kidspot.com, the chart also gives bonus points for things such as excellent listening, a super clean room, great sportsmanship, and being kind.
At the end of the week, the points are totted up and rewards such as money, sleepovers, movies, going out for ice cream, and 1 hour of iPad is given out.
A system that actually works
Having seen how effective it was for her family, Alexander shared the chart to her Facebook account, and it didn’t take long for other parents to start praising her system.
“I gave this a go on my kids and it’s been simply life-changing,” said one mum.
“I need this in my life”, added one more.
“My son will work his a*** off for some of these rewards!” chimed in a third.
Speaking to the Australian website, Alexander said that so far, the chart is working really well.
“Miss 8 can’t wait to vacuum, wash the car and pick up dog poo so she can add those points to the chart. Miss 6 needs a few gentle reminders, but I send her to the chart and she can check her morning routine expectations for herself. They are now fighting over whose turn it is to unload the dishwasher or hang out the washing! Who would’ve thought?!”
One important lesson she has learned through this project, the mum-of-two admits, is that chores might be done, but maybe not to an ‘adult standard’ – but that this is OK.
“Through this chart, they are now learning essential life skills and learning how to be responsible for themselves. They are also practising mathematics and making decisions about how they are going to achieve their goals and rewards.”
