How to Establish Chores into Your Routine
One of my biggest concerns going into the summer months was the loss of routine. I had a feeling if I did not implement some kind of schedule for us, we would all feel the stress. One of the first strategies that seemed to work was implementing a chore chart. I have had her follow charts loosely in the past or had Siena help around the house. However, as she enters grade school the sense of responsibility and expectations of completing a task is crucial.
Being able to follow a chore chart is more than just checking things off a list. It can teach a child perseverance, as dramatic as that sounds. There are times where she wants to just play, or get back to what she has on her agenda. However, just like in life, sometimes you have do other things before doing what you want. Which also plays into the ability to delay gratification. Another positive to the chore chart is practicing independence and self regulation. I bet you didn’t realize it was this deep? She has to self start the chore as well as choose to finish despite w or not she “wants” to.
Something to remember while choosing age appropriate chores is not to be aiming for perfection. For example, Siena does well with making her bed, but its not perfect. I can deal with that, and on days where we have company, I fix it. If she sees me fix ore redo everything she does, it may send her the message that she isn’t successful. I am not sure she can empty the whole dishwasher because she cannot reach all the cabinets. But I know she can handle putting away the utensils at her level. It also helps her with sorting. So choosing chores is definitely a balance between you and your child.
After breakfast we spend some time picking up toys, clearing the breakfast dishes, making our beds, getting dressed, and putting away laundry. When we are done with that, I will spend some time doing a little bit of school work with her in a fun way. I am not saying you need to full on home school your child but maybe pick a handful of things you want them to practice this summer. For example, Siena’s handwriting really needs work. If I let her go all summer without every practicing, I am afraid she would forget how to write her name. This would only make her first days of Kindergarten more frustrating. I plan on just reviewing all her letters, along with handwriting. Then I want to practice her numbers and see if we can get her counting a bit higher. Also keeping in mind some super basic ideas such as days of the week, and the weather. In playing games and doing crafts she will naturally get fine motor skills practice, review of colors, and shapes. So aiming to do one or two crafts each week is part of my plan. In addition to school concepts I like to focus on a Bible verse each week. This is something for us both to memorize!
Sample Chore Ideas for Preschool Entering Kindergarten:
Making the bed or pulling up the sheets. Other variations: putting pillows or stuffed animals on bed.
Getting dressed (lay out their clothes), always having them put clothes in a hamper.
Bringing their breakfast plate to the kitchen sink
Cleaning and drying their water bottle
Setting the table. Lay out all the utensils and etc for them. Again, do not expect
Loading the laundry. You can have them load in just their clothes or help with the pre-sorted clothes. Also, please keep in mind safety. This is an activity that requires supervision!
Watering the flowers or helping water the garden
Setting the table: Set out what you want to go on the table and let them arrange it (again letting of perfection).
Grab the tempelate link to a daily chore chart HERE—>Customizable Chore Chart
Siena’s Etsy Chore Chart:
