The Chore Chart Challenge

Today I picked my kindergartener up from school, and as usual we talked about how his day was. What was his favourite part of the day, what did he play at recess, what did he learn, and more twenty-one type example questions just like those. Every day after school he tells me what is in his communication folder, which usually ends up being colouring pages he has done… Or a newsletter.

On this day there was extra excitement about my opening up that little blue folder when we got home. He couldn't wait for me to open it, and kept telling me how he was going to use his money to help animals. Together in the kitchen we read the letter from his teacher about their class service project to raise money that will help take care of polar bears. It went on to explain that in class they have been learning about these endangered creatures, and how people can work together to help keep thm on our earth. The kinders together decided they could do chores at home for a few weeks to collect money for this cause. This is what is great about our kids – Though they are small, they have such compassionate hearts, and a passion to love on those around them. Minds of five and six year olds collectively deciding on a way that they could give back to the world.

I have been on Pinterest and talked to parents of older children before about allowance. For some reason, no system we used ever worked for our family. So, to help him complete this "challenge" I asked him what chores he thought he could do around the house. I grabbed the nearest piece of paper (hence why it isn't the fanciest) and set to work drawing a table for his chores to go on. Using bright colours of his choice, I used my very fancy art skills to draw what the chore was. Sure he can't read yet, but it allows him to look at the chart himself and see what chores there are to choose from (I also wrote them down in case I forgot what my drawing was of). Each chore has a different earning depending on what you are doing. He decided that he could sweep, put dishes away, help with groceries, clean up toys, do laundry with Daddy, and vacuum.

There were a few empty spaces left over at the end, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to create "Acts of Kindness" opportunities. These would be worth one dollar, and will take some thought and consideration on his part. The idea was to keep the act of giving and loving on others going. This is an opportunity to let him think of how he can fill another person's life with goodness and encouragement. It is as simple as letting them make a card for a friend, dusting off the neighbours snowy car, or taking time to play with a sibling.

What I am taking away from this simple "Chore Chart Challenge" is that my child has the ability to move mountains, or so the saying goes. That there is always a way we can encourage them to step out and make a change in the world around them. Their voice matters, so let's equip them with the tools to give their actions impact.