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.
disinfecting cleaning services Arlington Heights ..Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Ok. So you're a dad to be. If you're like... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
The internet is a dangerous place for your children. Don't... Read More
All of us, including your child, entered this world equipped... Read More
While on a recent trip to the grocery store, I... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
Memorizing math facts is a necessary part of elementary school.... Read More
The Theme from MASHI flipped the button on the remote... Read More
All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
Time management is an organisational concept traditionally associated with adults... Read More
Many times, we are so conditioned in how we speak... Read More
Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child... Read More
What's in a name? Er?well, everything, really! Of course your... Read More
1. Encourage Questions.Don't answer every question, instead ask what do... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
On a recent Saturday evening, I noticed a young teen-age... Read More
'And all because of a damned cat! It's only a... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
There may really be a real monster under your kid???s... Read More
For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Mundelein ..Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
How often do you think of family life as an... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
Any parent whose baby has suffered from colic can tell... Read More
Child tantrums are a way for children to express their... Read More
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept... Read More
How would you like to have more time? Of course... Read More
Most of the ADHD kids that are seen in a... Read More
"I WON'T DO IT!" "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"Whether parent or... Read More
How excited do kids get with the start of school... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent more than the... Read More
Did you know that the school system is only able... Read More
A sure way to double the joys of parenthood is... Read More
In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded... Read More
Childhood friendships are as special as they are a necessary... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
Child care costs are are one of the most expensive... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
Q. What is the best way to teach safety awareness... Read More
Parenting |