Chore cards are an alternative to traditional chore charts for kids. I have partnered with The Motherhood and Kimberly-Clark to share ideas about how to make cleaning more fun for kids. Everything I say is my own opinion, and will hopefully help you out when it’s chore time at your house.
My kids know we all need to pitch in to keep our home clean. But I can’t just say to them, “Let’s clean the house!” Believe me, I have tried it (many, many times) and all I get are blank stares. I have learned that the best way to get my kids to do chores is to tell them exactly what I need them to do and exactly how to do it.
If it is a chore they have never done before, I show them how to do it. If I take the time to teach them what to do, they usually catch on pretty fast.
I made Dry Erase Paint Chip Chore Cards to help make cleaning time for fun for the kids. I picked up all the supplies I needed to make them, including free paint chip cards at Walmart. Each child gets a key ring with chore cards on it. I use a dry erase marker to write their name, the assigned chore and any helpful reminders on how to do the chore. The cards can be erased once the chores are done so they are ready for next time.
Chores can be different from day to day. I like using the dry erase chore cards because I can write down exactly what needs to be done. It also makes it easier for me to break up the chores between all of our family members.
For example, I can ask one child to wipe bathroom counters, and another to swish the toilet bowl. Giving them specific, age-appropriate chores are more effective than telling them to “Clean the bathroom.” Plus, they don’t get confused and overwhelmed wondering what I mean for them to do.
How to Make Dry Erase Paint Chip Chore Cards
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Paint Chip Cards
- Hole Punch
- Self-Adhesive Laminating Sheets or a Laminating Machine
- Dry Erase Marker
- Key ring
Directions:
1. Laminate each paint chip card with the laminating sheets (or machine.) Trim the laminated card down to size if necessary.
2. Use the hole punch to put a hole in the upper left hand corner of each laminated paint chip card.
3. Slide each card onto the key ring.
Your chore cards are ready to use. Write on the laminated cards with a dry erase marker so they can be wiped clean for next time. *If desired, use a permanent marker for non-erasable, durable chore cards.
Two More Easy Ways To Make Chores For Kids Fun:
1) Assign cleaning tasks you know your child likes to do.
My younger kids love to use spray bottles. They think it’s a lot of fun to spray things. So I assign them to clean the sliding glass door. As you can see, the glass gets quite dirty! Our dogs constantly put nose prints and paw prints all over the glass, so the door needs a daily wipe down. When it’s time to do chores, I give each of the boys a Viva Vantage towel and a spray bottle. They go to town on the window until it’s sparkling clean. Or at least relatively sparkling clean compared to how it looked “before”!
2. Give kids their very own Cleaning Caddy, stocked with the supplies they need to do chores.
Cleaning is easier for kids when they have everything they need in one place. A handheld caddy keeps cleaning supplies organized and is easy to carry from room-to-room. You can get everything you need to make a cleaning caddy, including the caddy itself, household cleaners, and my personal favorite – Viva paper towels – at Walmart.
Viva offers two types of everyday towels that work like cloth for cleaning. Which one is best for the job?
- Viva Vantage has a scrubby texture, which makes it great for cleaning stainless steel appliances and glassware to a shine. Pick these terrycloth-like towels when you need a durable, strong towel to scrub stovetops, patio furniture and other grimy surfaces.
- Viva Towels have a softer, smoother texture to make them the paper towel of choice for cleaning delicate surfaces. They are even soft enough for washing my kids’ messy hands and faces. Use Viva Towels for dusting baseboards, furniture and more.
What household and cleaning supplies do you need to stock up on at Walmart? How do you make chores for kids fun at your house?
#SpringClean16
#Walmart
