1. Free Printable Chore Charts.
Many chore charts will allow you to customize the number of squares, graphics, and text. Try these sites for a great selection of free printable chore charts.
DLTK's Customizable Chore Charts.
Chart Jungle
Printable Checklists
Pros
Easy to use.
Cost effective.
Can be personalized.
Easily posted wherever it is most needed.
Cons
Not very long lasting.
Not indestructible.
Not ideal for non-readers.
2. Box System
This system uses index cards and recipe boxes. Similar to the SHE sytem for sidetracked home executives. Parents set up the cards for their children. Kids check the cards daily and execute the chores, activities, etc.
Pros
Specific.
Fairly easy to set up.
Promotes Responsibility.
Can help organize more than just chores.
Cons
More effort involved on a daily basis.
Not suited for young children.
3. Shoe Organizer
Set the system up using an over the door pocket shoe organizer and index cards made out with chore names. Give each person their own labeled row on the shoe organizer. Label the 4 vertical columns of the organizer as, chores, activities, extra credit, and completed. Place the tasks in the appropriate slots, allow the kids to move their completed cards to the final spot on your chore chart.
Pros
Can be used with small children(picture cards).
Works well with older children too.
Can be hidden from view.
Cons
Not very personalized.
Some pre setup is required.
4. Lists
The traditional idea of making a list of things to do for everyone in the house may not be flashy, but it's also extremely simple to set up. . Use a sheet of paper to list everyone and their chores for the week. Post on the refrigerator or other suitable location. People can initial, cross of or otherwise indicate when they have completed their chores.
Pros
Easy to set up and use.
Very cost effective.
Cons
Can be boring.
Not suited for younger children.
This is a really cute idea that allows a child to become involved in setting up a chore system. The idea can be modified to whatever theme they can think of.
Pros
Highly visual.
Involves the children.
Easily adapted to young and older children.
Low maintenance.
Same principle can be used with things other than flowers. (ie. Bees in a hive. Vegetables in pots, fish in a tank. Birds in a cage.
Cons
More involved process of setting up.
Some cost.
Whether you have very young children, teenagers, or a mixture of both, chore charts can be customized to fit the needs of your family. Try a variety of methods until you find the best one for your home.
