Family Sets Up Chore Chart For Kids

Before school started, Jennifer Cockrell, of Shreveport, was determined to create a household chore system for her three children. Not only did she want a little more organization in her home, she also wanted to teach her children to have strong work ethic.

“I just want them to be responsible, caring and loving kids,” she said. “When they’re adults and go off in the real world, they’ll know how do their laundry and take care of themselves.”

Teaching children the value of work and to be responsible takes work from the parents. In fact, parents should begin with their own behavior first.

“One of the things that’s important is for the parents to be able to model a good work ethic in the home,” said Sandi Davis, licensed professional counselor in Bossier City. “Being able to show the children and explain to the children about what you do for your job and your attitude about work is important.”

Last month Cockrell started a chore chart for her kids, ages 4, 6 and 8. Each child has his or her own weekly chart with everyday chores and bonus chores. For each chore completed, they receive a check mark and for each task not completed, they receive and “x” mark.

At the end up the week, the check marks are tallied up and the children receive a quarter for each one. For their youngest child, Andrew, the Cockrells started with basic chores such as picking up toys and brushing his teeth.

“It’s just the little things that you get them started doing and sort of get them on that path to taking responsibility for their actions,” Brian Cockrell said. “As parents you don’t want your kids to be uncomfortable or do anything that they don’t want to do, but you have to realize that you’re not always going to be there. They’ve got to be prepared for the big bad world.”

According to Amy Hammond, assistant professor of psychology at Centenary College in Shreveport, always rewarding behavior can be problematic.

“Children then learn not to do anything unless they’re getting a reward, which psychologists call extrinsic motivation, and parents come to call bribes,” she said.

Hammond recommends that parents create expectations of what it means to be part of the family. When family members have jobs that help the household function smoothly, it provides a sense of equality and value, she adds.

Assigning household chores and other responsibilities helps children develop more than just a strong work ethic. Children learn social skills, time management and developmental skills. Teaching children the value of work can also build self-esteem, Davis said.

Even though the chore chart system is new for the Cockrells, there has already been a noticeable difference in the home. It’s more peaceful, Jennifer Cockrell said. The children are also happy with the new system.

“Now we can help pick up,” Natalie, 6, said.

“We get a quarter each time we get a check, and at the end of the week, if we have all of our checks, we get money for it,” Hannah, 8, said. “I really like it, and I think it’s fun.”

(Written by Devin White, Shreveport Times)