Magnetic Chore Charts

I grew up with chores.
I grew up with an allowance.
I grew up learning that I didn't get paid unless I did my work.

My parents, perhaps unknowingly, did an amazing job teaching me about money, how to earn it, how to save it and that it didn't just grow on trees. :)

Steve and I have talked and talked about different methods of incorporating chores and allowance into our family. We've done the whole debate of if kids should just get money each week to learn how to use it or if they should do chores and earn it.  We've talked about the difference between doing chores because you are part of a family and doing chores to earn money.  Thankfully we seem to be of like mind and have the same goals for our children.

We've tried different methods in the past but finally found something that, knock on wood, has been working now for about 6 weeks.  They sell many different versions of magnetic chore charts on Etsy but I enjoy a good project and set out to make my own.  Here is what they look like:

They are in frames so we can stand them up.  Each morning, the two big kids wake up and find their chore chart on the bathroom sink.  They do their chores, moving over a magnet each time they finish something.

When they are done upstairs, they come down and finish up.  After all are done they get a magnetic star that they place along the bottom.  They can earn an additional star for afternoon/evening chores and then if we are seeing super kindness or a great attitude that can earn a bonus one!!

They can collect 5, 10, 15 or 20 stars and turn them in for different rewards.  For example 5 stars will let you choose from the treasure chest or will have mommy or daddy clean something up for you.  10 stars will let you stay up 10 extra minutes with mommy and daddy for books or games.  15 stars will let you go on a date with mommy OR daddy.  20 stars, which Olivia saved for, is a date with mommy AND daddy while the other two kiddos are home with a babysitter. I came up with a few ideas and they of course shared some of their own as well.

It's been amazing. I love that they are taking responsibility for themselves.  I love that it's off my worry list.  I love that things are actually getting done and let's get real... it's super cute right?  :)

I can make new magnets when we need them - and I think as they grow I will do just that.  I've been thinking of a few to make sometime this winter - help shovel, bring in wood for the fireplace, etc.  I LOVE being a mommy and helping my children grow and learn about responsibility.  It warms my heart to see them doing things for themselves and the pride and confidence that comes with it.

Okay - off to do one of my chores... fold and put away laundry!