This is Lizzie’s new chore chart and I am going to make David one too.  At 4 years old I know Lizzie is ready to start helping out with chores around the house. She has helped me put dishes away since she was about 2 years old, but I never created an organized system for her to follow.  Once in awhile, if she asked for a toy, I created a small chart for her to earn her toy with.

It is about time to organize my home and have it run on a system.

Every other time I create a chore chart I spend at least an hour or more searching for cute little pictures and try to design it myself. I waste so much time doing that. But I just found an easy, (and free!) online chore chart creator at GoalForIt.com.  It has a bunch of bright and colorful templates – or if you want, you can create your own from scratch. I chose not to spend more time than I needed to and chose the super pink princess theme. Perfect for Lizzie.

Then, she can either use the computer (her favorite way) to put a pretty sticker on her chart or I can print the chart off and let her use her physical stickers. The only thing I wish it could do is sync with our iPad as an app. But I really like how you can put stickers on it with your computer. And then I get to chose from two stickers at the end of the week – either  a YAY or “work on it.”  And you can choose from a huge list of chores, desired behaviors and healthy habits to put on the list, or you can add your own.

Check it out! I cannot wait to get Lizzie and David helping out by picking up toys, putting away clothes and helping with dishes.

I was compensated for this site review. All opinions are 100% mine. Check out the site for yourself and create your own opinion about their services. 

]]> http://mamadweeb.com/2012/01/making-a-pretty-chore-chart-online/feed/ 4 http://mamadweeb.com/2011/12/discussion-or-instant-obedience-parenting-question/ http://mamadweeb.com/2011/12/discussion-or-instant-obedience-parenting-question/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:42 +0000 Annie @ Mama Dweeb http://mamadweeb.com/?p=8205 Pin it When it comes to parenting Lizzie and David, I am encouraged by two separate camps of parenting. Both have excellent points and both have wonderful results for them. As with every parenting issue (formula vs. breastmilk, co-sleeping vs. crib in separate room) I have to find what works for me and my kids. [...]]]>

When it comes to parenting Lizzie and David, I am encouraged by two separate camps of parenting. Both have excellent points and both have wonderful results for them. As with every parenting issue (formula vs. breastmilk, co-sleeping vs. crib in separate room) I have to find what works for me and my kids.

What is the end goal here?

To keep my kids safe and teach them to respect my authority as well as the authority of others and be able to make wise decisions on their own.

Here are the two methods/philosophies of parenting that I am met with.

Expect instant, respectful obedience

These people believe a child should always instantly obey their parents, without question or hesitation. Obedience is required. It keeps the children safe and teaches them how to respect authority.  Any questions of “why” or “but -” or obeying with a foul attitude is quickly met with discipline.  Some in this group (not all) also believe in spanking as a form of discipline.

Allow kids to discuss the options and decide together

This group of people believes their way is more gentle. They believe in helping to foster a child’s decision making abilities by discussing options when they give the child a command.  They offer choices and if a child is acting in a way that contrary to the task at hand, the parent will find a creative solution.  Instead of “you must obey me because I am your mother,” this group believes “how can I as the mature parent help my growing child make the best decision?”
My (growing) position

I am totally stuck in between the two positions.  I understand the importance of teaching my children to obey and respect me. However, I get so angry when I see them “disobey” my direct orders. I hate that feeling. I am the  more mature person in those situations. I need to change my thoughts and harness my emotions. Instead of viewing Lizzie’s “no” or “why” as an insult to my authority or her being “rebellious” I need to view those moments as teaching ones. My compassion rather than my anger needs to kick in.  I understand that children should obey their parents and instant obedience is needed for safety (picture kids running in the street, you can’t discuss at that moment) – however, I cannot demand instant obedience 100% of the time without feeling anger.  If I view every incident – like completing chores, for example – as a teaching moment and try and see it through her eyes, then I believe we both can grow.

Where do you fall in this spectrum?

Link up!

Once upon a time, deep in the woods, a lovely couple raised a cute family. Mama, Daddy, and their three little children lived a fun and quiet life. The theme of the house was, “Daddy means fun, mommy means business.” This theme carried into bedtime as well. The ornery four year old girl and happy two year old boy would run around the house giggling and laughing with daddy into the deep hours of the night.  Daddy’s goal was to play until he wore them out and let them fall asleep fast.

But mama knew better.

She dreamed of a peaceful evening, with children sleeping soundly in their beds, glass of wine in her hand.

So she drew this chart.

Don’t laugh, mama is not and artist. Not even close!

Bedtime Routine – starts at 8 pm

1. Ssshhh!! Do the routine quietly! (That means daddy too!)
2. Pajamas on
3. Teeth brushed
4. Go peepee in the potty (and wipe your tushie)
5. Read books by the booklight (that looks like a shower, but it is light)
6. Stay in your bunkbeds – quietly – until you fall asleep.

The daddy and kids followed the routine exactly. And a magical thing happened! The house was quiet. The mama rejoiced! With the routine chart to follow, there were no arguments or discussions. No getting off track or distracted. And with the pictures the children new exactly what was coming up next.

Mama and Daddy lived happily ever after!

~~~~

Did you like that story? Well it was fun to write but even more fun to live out! Seriously, bedtime was a disaster at my house – a super fun, giggly, disaster.  I tried to communicate to Josh how to do bedtime, but Lizzie and David would get distracted and bedtime often became derailed. I sat Lizzie down with me and we drew the chart together. Honestly, she could probably draw it better than I did! But there it is. Josh holds the chart in his hands as he goes through each step with the kids.

We are currently on Day 3 of usage of the chart. So far, so good! I hope this is the answer we looked for!

I have also heard doing sticker charts works and setting a timer so the timer is telling the kids when to go to bed instead of the parents, eliminating arguments.  What have you found helps with bedtime?

A super cute picture of David in 2009 when he was 7 months old!  He was my chubba-bubs and super duper cute! I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with full belies and happy memories!

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