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.
tidy up service Glenview ..The question I have for you drives right to the... Read More
Many parents struggle with solutions to put their child on... Read More
Encouragement comes when you focus on your child's assets and... Read More
Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept... Read More
There's a new kind of fun and calm out there... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
You are sitting with the professionals who know about learning... Read More
Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
Home schooling. What is it? What does it mean to... Read More
Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
Most teens go into the work world ill-prepared to manage... Read More
My daughters and I went to the beach several weeks... Read More
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17... Read More
The law of -ing.The law of -ing refers to a... Read More
As our children grow, they will be going to schools... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
How in the world do you get your child to... Read More
Single parents are not often thought of as good parents.I... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More
full-service cleaning Mundelein ..We know that ancient cultures and Indians and the like... Read More
Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More
Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
4 traps to avoidTrap 1 - Parents need to realize... Read More
Below is a copy of our eating program for Attention... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
It's that time again! Parent-teacher conferences are coming. Are you... Read More
Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More
Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More
Our children are growing up bilingual in the French part... Read More
There is no doubt that the benefits of being a... Read More
It's the first day of the summer holiday. Five year-old... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
I really like all natural remedy for Attention Deficit Disorder... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
How many times have you flipped through the pages of... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
Parenting |