Summer break is only weeks away and I’m already getting hot flashes and cold sweats. I love the thought of not having to jump out of bed in a fluster every morning. I love the thought of not packing lunches, doing homework, and of being free to hit the pool or park as we please.
However, I am not looking forward to getting out my cattle prod and pushing and poking everyone until every last Chore is done. I don’t like being that mom; I’d rather be Fun Mom. That’s why I need a little creative inspiration on getting my kids to want to do their chores.
If you could use a little inspiration too, here are 4 clever ways to get kids to do chores over the summer that does not involve a cattle prod!
4 Clever Ways To Get Kids To Do Chores over the Summer
1. The Spinning Wheel of Fortune
Some of you flower children may recognize this snazzy chore chart from the 70s. This spinning wheel of fortune is especially good for multiple kids, and it removes mom and dad from being the bad guys! Parents don’t divvy out the chores, the spinning wheel does. This makes it seem more like a game of chance, and what kid doesn’t like to press their luck?
How it works: Cut out four circles and divide them into the same number of sections as kids in your household. Write names on the inner-most circle and then fill in the rest of the slots with common household chores. Secure a pronged fastener in the middle and let your kids spin the wheel or simply rotate it weekly. It’s also a good idea to assign a sheriff who inspects the other jobs and makes sure they were done up to snuff.
2. The Family Chore-Mart
My sister-in-law clued me into this genius idea. Print out some fake dollars (these are via ChartJungle.com) or make your own fake money. Determine which chores get to earn chore bucks and how much money each chore is worth. Mom and dad put together a family chore store (call it whatever you want: the mommy store, Chore-Mart, etc.) and let your kids save up their fake dollars for items in your chore store.
How it works: Mom and dad buy some items to go in the chore store box or bucket (dollar store items are perfect!). Print out or make fake money. Kids earn chore bucks when they complete chores and can spend their money in the family chore store!
3. The Chore Punch Card
It’s crazy how kids efficiently kids will work for a punch card. Heck, I’ll buy 8 ice creams just so I can have that 9th one for free! Same principle applies here.
How it works: Print out some chore punch cards or make your own. Determine the prize at the end and get punching!
4. Screen Time Meets Chore Time
How ironic that screen time, the very thing that keeps kids from being productive, can actually help them do their chores! Websites out there like Handipoints and Chore Wars are actually online games that motivate kids to do their chores. Kids can chart their progress and earn points toward prizes.
Do you have any other clever ideas to help kids do chores over the summer? Please share them below! By the way, I don’t really use a cattle prod. A squirt bottle works just fine.
We love finding creative ways to help our children learn the value of hard work and a job well done. Here are a few more ideas you might like:
Household Chore Ideas for Kids – 9 Creative Ways to Put Your Kids to Work
Personalized Chore Flip-Cards for Kids
Germ Bugs Motivate Kids to Clean Properly!
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