Create A Family House Cleaning
Chore Chart in 4 Easy Steps

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Create a Chore Chart in 4 Easy Steps.

Here's how to create a simple yet effective family jobs checklist to help keep everyone on track in the week ahead.

1 Using a basic spreadsheet program (such as Microsoft Excel) enter the tasks that need doing in the week ahead.

Enter the name of each family member who is assigned to complete them.

2 Add check boxes next to each task.

After your child has completed a task, he can initial (teens), check (preteens), put a smiley face (younger kids), or you can affix a colorful sticker (toddler).

3 Make the chart simple for not-yet-reading family members.

If your kids can't read yet, cut and paste photos from magazines to represent the jobs they need to do.

A toy truck could represent playroom pickup, or clothes from a catalog could signify putting hers in the hamper or drawer.

4 Color-code the tasks and the names of the family member assigned to do it.

For example, my son Chris's column is blue, Lyndsay's is pink, and my youngest son, Payne, has a column in yellow. That makes it easier for each child to see his or her jobs.

If you make it easy for everyone to know what's expected, chances are those weekly duties will actually get done this week.

Divvying Up the Chores

Getting Started: Call a Family Meeting.

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