Chore and Reward Systems that Work

Chore and reward systems are one of the mostChore and Reward Systems with Toddlers
impor-tant keys for managing the busy household. AChore and reward systems can work with children as
good system can inspire children while teaching themyoung as two! True they won't be very efficient at
re-sponsibility and discipline -- not to mention easingvacuuming but there are ways they can help make
your own commitments.the days go smoother.
The basics. A chore and reward system is a visualI used a system with my daughter that models the
tool that lets children perform household tasks inabove. Using a piece of construction paper I made
order to earn something they would really like.twenty 1x1 inch squares. At the bottom I made one
Make a list of what you need help with. If you had itlarge square and put a picture of an Elmo helium
your way, what would you delegate around theballoon. Each time she cleaned up her toys, was a
house? Perhaps cooking or cleaning up after dinner?good listener for the day, got dressed without a
Does laun-dry or dusting make you cringe? Whatfight, went to sleep without a fight or went to the
about taking out garbage or mowing the lawn? Writebathroom "on the potty," I let her choose a sticker
down any responsi-bilities you'd like to delegate thatto place on a square. (The stickers were all her
are age-appropriate for your children.favorite characters and animals, dinosaurs, Barney,
Next, ask your children to tell you something theybutterflies, etc.)
would really, really like. Find a picture of this item andWhen the sheet was full, we made a special
place it on a piece of construction paper. Using youradventure out of purchasing her balloon. We went to
list of tasks, create a "road" that leads to the item.the store and bought only the balloon, taking great
As they complete each task, initial it, and once theycare to pick one out.
work through the road they get their requested item.