How to Implement a Summer Chore Hack without the War

Wouldn’t it be great to have your tween or teen pitch in rather than procrastinate or pitch a fit when it comes to summer chores? Here’s a chore hack that will eliminate parental pleading and bargaining. (Hint: It’s all in the presentation.)

FIRST

Create three different lists: daily, weekly, and above and beyond chores. Add a line next to each job for the child’s initials.

The Daily List

Feed pets. _____________________

Water flowers. _________________

Unload dishwasher. _____________

Empty garbage. _________________

Fold laundry.____________________

Distribute laundry._______________

Everyday Expectations.

Make your bed.

Straighten your room.

Create a second list of weekly jobs.

Weekly List to be completed by _________(date).

Vacuum ________________________

Dust ___________________________

Clean bathrooms ______________

Mow ___________________________

Compose a collection of Above and Beyond jobs where extra cash can be earned. Include the dollar amount for the completed work.

Above and Beyond List . Here are four suggestions:

Dust baseboards for $ _____________

Clean outlets and switch panels for $___________

Trim bushes for $ ___________________________

Wash car $______________________

THEN
Once you have your lists prepared you are ready to transfer the job ownership. (This paragraph holds the key to implementing the Summer Chore Hack without the war.) Present the chores in this way to eliminate the war: Speak these power-packed statements, “Tomorrow we are implementing a new system. Everyone is participating in doing household jobs. A list will be on the kitchen table in the morning. Sign up for (two ) daily and (one) weekly job. If you want to earn some extra money choose an above and beyond job. Sign up occurs only in the morning and the daily job (s) chosen must be completed within an hour of signing up. “

This approach motivates the tween get up and complete their preferred job first thing in the morning. The conversation becomes more about who is doing what rather than who will do what when. The chore war will be averted while peace and responsibility will be fostered.

For each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:5

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash