Chore Chart

We have a handy little chore chart that has curbed most of our undesired behavior. It is called P.E.G.S. - Practical Encouragement and Guidance System from Family Tools . I LOVE this chart!

Basically the children have their own column on the board and they get green circles for good behavior and red slashed circles for not-so-good behavior. When their number goal of green marks is hit they get to go to the treasure box or pick a different reward. If they have red marks on the board they have to do an extra chore to take the red mark off their side of the board. When used correctly they can go to the treasure box weekly.

Here are examples of our goals:
15 green marks pick a privilege (date with mom or dad, extra book at bed)
30 green marks new roll of tape (our children are addicted to clear tape)
40 green marks trip to the treasure box (puzzles, pokemon cards, dress-up clothes, books, games)

Here are examples of the daily chores:
Beating the schedule time each morning before school

Set the table before meals
Clear the table after meals
Sweep the dining room floor
Take out recycle items
Play with the baby
Empty the dishwasher (mostly silverware and their plates/bowls/cups)
Clean up your room/playroom (more of a weekly chore)

Here are examples of our red mark/extra chores:
Clean front glass door
Clean fingerprints off appliances
Dust TV
Organize movies
Pick up toys under your bed
Pick up backyard toys
Wipe baseboards/light switch plates/doorknobs

It really is a simple pegboard that can be used anyway you want. When we began using it we put a lot of emphasis on the chore aspect but now that the chores are routine in the house, we emphasize the ABC’s which are Attitude, Behavior, and Communication.

They can get numerous green marks and red marks a day. The first week we used the board they fought each other to get the most green marks, often getting over 50 a day. This taught them to appreciate the green marks as they got to see the rewards right away. Even if we are away from the house, the children will modify their behavior rather than put up a red mark when they get home.