Monday Made it: What Children Value

It finally feels like a summer day here in Florida. I actually got to swim and lay out by the pool without feeling sprinkles (or the typical monsoon weather) falling down on me! I'm linking up again for Monday Made It with 4th Grade Frolics. I love this weekly linky because it pushes me to get up and actually make something.. that's a lot to ask for during summer break!

 

So... in this picture you see my step-son, Anthony, who will be going into 3rd grade this year. He's a little guy with a big ol' brain and a smart mouth that tends to get him into trouble! No idea where he gets that from--my guess is his father. :) While he is a smarty pants, he is also lazy. When I say lazy, I mean lazy with a capital L. Like, would rather not eat or drink anything if he has to fix it for himself. I sometimes stare at him in amazement wondering if this quality is true of all almost-3rd graders, and if so, sweet Jesus let me be the one to spark some motivation into them!

 

 

 

 

 

Anthony has always had chores to do, because we're trying to teach responsibility and that we must work hard for things we want. I felt like he needed a concrete something-to-look-at for these chores, because it's always, "Ah man, I forgot!," or "But mom, you didn't tell me to do that!" Drive. Me. Bonkers. So.. Here you have the simple, yet (hopefully) effective Chores Chart... because what is it that kids his age value? Their money and freedom. :)

 

 

All of his weekly chores are listed on the left. Some need to be done every day, such as cleaning out the pool, while others are done once a week, such as cleaning his restroom on Mondays. When the chores are complete, he moves the tack from the Incomplete side to the Complete side. All of these chores are done without being paid, since he is a member of our family and is responsible for helping out.

 

There is also an Extra Chores side which allows Anthony to earn money for items he'd like to buy. When Anthony first saw this chart the very first question he had was... "So... because they're extra chores, does that mean I don't have to do them?" Sweet. Jesus.

 

 

Now to the rules and regulations. Because dear sweet Anthony is lazy, he frequently does a job half-way and claims All Done! ha--yeah right, sucka! So, with that in mind, the rules are stated above.

 

1. If you chores are not completed, you pay $3 for each chore.

2. If your chores are not completed correctly, you pay $5 and re-do the chore.

3. If you are rude, disrespectful, not listening or lie, you pay $8.

4. If you complain about chores, you pay $2. (My favorite!!)

5. Parents have the final say in all chores.

 

I'm hoping this eventually takes away the desire to whine and complain at the thought of cleaning up his own messes, and instills the idea that one must work for what they want. We shall see. So far he has paid $8 once, but earned it back by unloading the dishwasher and sweeping & mopping the living room.

 

Welp, there ya have it! That's the chores board here in the Lopez house! Now go link up with 4th Grade Frolics and show off whatcha makin'!