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Did you know that doing chores is a great predictor of whether a kid will grow into a happy, healthy, independent adult? When our kids participate in chore charts from an early age, they foster skills that will help them the rest of their lives. But… creating and managing a chore chart can be a hassle. Plus, nagging your kiddo to participate and then rewarding them for their efforts can make things feel complicated.
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Luckily, there’s an alternative to the traditional paper or whiteboard chart. Soon you too will be reaping the benefits of chore charts, minus the headache! Keep reading to explore the benefits of a chore chart for kids, and to learn how to get started.
Benefits of Making Chore Charts for Kids
During the last two years, we’ve all had to adopt new daily routines. This deviation from “normal” can be overwhelming and stressful for our children. Luckily, there are numerous related benefits you can enjoy by incorporating chores into your kiddo’s day.
1. Structure
A chore routine adds structure back to your kid’s day. They will find comfort in a predictable set of expectations and behaviors. Chore charts divide up the day into a series of manageable tasks.
2. Control
Having a chore schedule can benefit your children in more ways than one. For starters, it can give them a sense of control over their lives. When they see that they’re capable of handling certain tasks with predictable outcomes, they feel empowered and confident.
Moreover, having a set routine can also help your little ones learn about cause and effect. Let’s say they’re responsible for watering the flowers every day. When they do it regularly, the flowers thrive, and when they forget, the flowers start to wilt and turn brown. This understanding of cause and effect can be incredibly valuable in instilling a sense of responsibility in your kids.
Read more: Frequently Asked Questions About Chore Charts3. Teamwork
Participating in chores around the house fosters a sense of teamwork. They will see everyone helping out and doing their share of the daily tasks. As your kiddo participates in chores too, they will feel a sense of belonging.
Working together towards a common cause greatly strengthens the bonds of family units.
4. Self-Esteem
One of the greatest benefits of chores is that your child learns the satisfaction of a job well done. This feeling of pride after hard work can lead to a heightened sense of self-esteem.
5. Rewarding
When you reward a child for their efforts, they feel as if they truly earned it. They will enjoy a treat more when they’ve worked hard for it. This adds immeasurably to their overall life satisfaction.
6. Independence
Finally, doing chores provides your kiddo with the opportunity to exercise independence. When completing a task, they realize that they can be mature and responsible. They will see that they can accomplish jobs around the house on their own.
These are just some of the many benefits of a chore chart for kids. Now that we know why kids should do a chore or two, let’s look at how to incorporate chores into your kiddo’s daily routine.
"Goally helps. Our kid is more independent at home and at school " — Mom of 1 kidLearn more →Creating a Chore Chart for Kids: Simplify and Engage with Goally
When it comes to keeping track of chores for kids, using a simple and interactive app can make the process easier and more enjoyable. At Goally, we understand that technology can be both appealing and challenging for parents. That’s why we offer a solution that eliminates distractions and provides a hassle-free experience.
With Goally, you have two options:
- Goally Device or Phone: We provide a special Goally device or phone that is specifically designed for your child’s use. These devices are secure, distraction-free, and cannot access web browsers or YouTube.
- Use Your Own Phone: If you prefer, you can download our Goally suite of apps directly onto your Android or Apple device. This allows you to utilize your own phone while still enjoying the benefits of our chore chart system.
So, how can you use Goally to create chore routines for your child?
1. Visual Schedules
Goally’s visual schedules break down a routine step by step. Each step features a countdown timer to keep your kiddo on track. You (the parent) get to decide how much time each step should take.
For example, you might set a one-minute timer for “find the toothbrush,” two minutes to put the toothpaste on the brush, and five minutes for the actual brushing.
Since visuals are one of the most important elements of a chore chart, our visual schedules allow you to add pictures for each step. Feel free to use one of our many ready-made stock photos. Or, upload your own photos that you feel best illustrate each specific task.
2. Checklists
Checking off items on a checklist has long been recognized as being extremely satisfying and motivating.Making a paper checklist is the most obvious of the choices! List all of the chores (in or out of order)
Here’s the thing though, paper checklists get lost, you have to recreate them often, and there’s nothing to remind you that they exist.
Read more: Free Printable Visual Cue Cards for AutismGoally also allows you to create digital checklists, which show all steps in the routine at once. You can schedule checklists to remind you kiddo when chores should be done. You can choose a visual aid to go with your checklists, and Goally will also read steps out loud to your kiddo!
3. Reminders
As a parent, you know how tiresome it can be to remind your little ones to do their chores all the time. But, with Goally, you can forget about this frustration! Goally takes on this responsibility for you. It will send alerts to your kids when it’s chore time and will keep reminding them until the task is done. This way, your children stay on track, and you get some well-deserved peace of mind.
Additionally, you can customize the sound settings on the device. So, whether you want to use pre-set sounds or prefer a completely silent approach, Goally has got you covered!
4. Token Boards
Use our built in reward system to create your own token economy, like personal bitcoin (ha!). With Goally you can reward your kiddo for completing a chore. You get to decide how many tokens every chore is worth; it’s all customizable.
You are also able to see how long it took your child to do the chore. When the chore is completed faster, feel free to reward them with more tokens!
In the Token app, enter favorite rewards for your child, with an icon or photo to symbolize it. Each reward has its own “price,” which you set. When your child has earned enough tokens, they can redeem a prize!
Read More: Free Printable Chore ChartCreating a Chore Chart for Kids with Goally: Promoting Structure and Independence
Introducing chores to your child at an early age can have numerous benefits, including fostering structure, teamwork, self-esteem, and independence. Making chores enjoyable by incorporating rewards can further enhance their engagement and motivation.
Goally | Apps To Structure Your Kiddo’s Routine
Does your child struggle with transitions or staying on task? Goally’s visual schedule app breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning.
With Goally, you have access to a range of customizable options for creating an app-based chore chart that suits your child’s needs. Your child will enjoy completing tasks listed on their visual schedule or checklist, and the best part is that Goally takes care of reminders, eliminating the need for constant reminders from you.
FAQs About Chore Chart for Kids
How can a chore chart benefit special needs children?Chore charts can help special needs children develop a sense of routine and structure, which can be very beneficial for their overall wellbeing. Additionally, having a set list of tasks can help children with special needs feel more confident and independent, as they learn to handle responsibilities and accomplish tasks on their own.
What are some effective strategies for creating a chore chart for special needs children?When creating a chore chart for special needs children, it's important to keep in mind their unique needs and abilities. Some effective strategies include using visual aids like pictures or symbols to represent tasks, breaking down larger tasks into smaller steps, and providing positive reinforcement and rewards for completed tasks.
How can parents encourage their special needs children to stick to a chore chart?Consistency is key when it comes to encouraging special needs children to stick to a chore chart. Parents can set clear expectations and consequences for incomplete tasks, and provide positive reinforcement and rewards for completed tasks. It's also important to adjust the chore chart as needed, based on the child's abilities and progress.
How can a chore chart help special needs children develop important life skills?Chore charts can be a valuable tool for helping special needs children develop important life skills like responsibility, time management, and organization. By breaking down tasks into smaller steps and setting clear expectations, chore charts can help children build confidence and independence, and prepare them for the challenges of adulthood.
This post was originally published on 02/15/2022. It was updated on 10/13/2023.
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Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
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