For every season, check, check, check,
There is a chart, check, check, check,
And a chart can replace some of your nagging.
A chart for chores,
A chart for grades.
A chart for homework,
A chart for hygiene.
A chart for tracking tv.
A chart for everything....
I used to spend all of my seasons nagging. The song at our home used to sound like this: "Ron, did you brush your teeth? Joe, is your snack in your bookbag? Mike, are your gymclothes ready? Ash, have you done your reading log? Ron, did you finish your math? Ron, did you vacuum the living room? Joe, did you do your social studies? Joe, is the trash at the street? Mike, did you clean the bathroom? Ash, are the dishes put away? Ron, did you brush your teeth..."
We had no time of silence and no time of peace. The constant sound of my voice annoyed ME, and I know it annoyed my kids. Multiply four kids, eight daily responsibilities, about three reminders per task, and I was averaging close to 100 nags per day. Since we posted the chart, I only have to ask, "Is your chart done?" Even on bad days, nagging is only a fraction of what it was before.
During school, we have chores for daily work and charts for weekend work. In the summer we have a chore chart and a very popular television spreadsheet. The boys make their own charts for homework and grades. I also have charts for me; keeping up with what is required of me is hard to remember.
Charts can be prepared on a spreadsheet or word document with chores and tasks written. Visual learners may benefit from charts generated using pictures. Whatever the method, charts can provide a tangible reminder that will make the difference between a task being completed, left hanging, or forgotten.
Give every season a chart, and you may discover that it will help you find more time, including a time to speak of something besides chores and homework!
We have an Excel spreadsheet with examples of different types of charts that I'd be happy to send you. Send an email to goaskmom AT goaskmom.com and request this free resource.
Kayla Fay is the publisher of "Who Put the Ketchup in the Medicine Cabinet?" and "24 Hour Science Projects". She and her husband live in North Carolina with their four sons. Visit Kayla at http://www.goaskmom.com or http://www.goaskmom.com.
affordable house cleaning Wilmette ..Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
I was changing Ford's diaper the other day when he... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
We take it for granted that children know how money... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is making... Read More
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
You no longer have to use Ritalin or other stimulants... Read More
When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
Mealtimes together deserve an important place in any family. Around... Read More
To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
The public school system in America has become a dismal... Read More
1. New Word of the DayIntroduce your preschooler to a... Read More
Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child... Read More
I have always found the notion of toilet training a... Read More
quick home cleaning Northbrook ..Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
KIDS AND THE NEWSMore than ever, children witness innumerable, sometimes... Read More
In today's mental health system there is a pattern of... Read More
Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
Spending quality time with your children doesn't need to cost... Read More
Jason Roberts listened to his son's explanation of the missing... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help you... Read More
Yesterday my husband Wade took the day off (that's one... Read More
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
When a parent is deployed with the military it can... Read More
You may remember The Red Couch Project, a book by... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
If you are currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling your child,... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
Parenting |