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.
limousine airport Glendale Heights .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareYour Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth... Read More
Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for... Read More
Your child's first year of school should be a fun... Read More
The snow was getting heavier with each lift of the... Read More
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is making... Read More
Creating and making special memories with your child is very... Read More
As a parent there are lots of things that you... Read More
Imagine having no television for an entire season. Such was... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
Nail biting in all its various forms is problematic... Read More
We need a grass roots campaign targeted towards parents to... Read More
Discipline is a necessary part of parenting yet it makes... Read More
Today the little red school house is not what it... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Have you heard the song; "I Hope You Dance"? It... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More
Software for parental control is a useful tool, if applied... Read More
For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More
As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your... Read More
Lincoln Stretch rentals Willowbrook ..What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
Be sure to respect the intellectual changes that mark adolescence.... Read More
Sitterphobe "I never have a second to myself," this mother... Read More
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More
Have you ever wondered why toys for babies tend to... Read More
Parents want their children to succeed in school. However, sometimes... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More
Parents of teenagers frequently ask what can be done to... Read More
In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More
Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
"I don't know and I don't care."I've heard those words... Read More
One of the most difficult parts of being a father... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
One of parents' most important duties is to protect their... Read More
Are you looking for the Ultimate Airplane Themed Party Games... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
"The greatest gift I ever had Came from God, and... Read More
The first year of a child's life is the most... Read More
Parenting |