Are Chore Charts a Helpful Tool or Torture?

Chore charts can be an opus of organization or a tool of torture. The answer depends how you look at it, and how it looks to you.

• Lists make my kid feel like the chores are endless. Having a long to do list that spans the week can be daunting for some kids. These are the types of kids that need to feel a sense of accomplishment one task at a time. Does this mean you should not use a chore chart? Not necessarily. But it could mean organizing the chart differently; for example, have one page per day that can be ripped off and thrown away when completed. One chore on each page is plenty.
• My kid changes his mind about what chore she wants to do. This is the kid who needs to be presented with choices between two possible chores. She will pick one and then do it. Having it set in advance on a chart is asking for trouble. You can use a chore chart with kids like this. Just design the chart with choices available. Consider using sticky notes and letting her pick the one she wants to do, leaving the rest as choices for tomorrow and the rest of the week.
• My kid won't read the chart. Your child may look at the list and feel terrible about doing the chores, leading to arguments, resistance, negotiating and other ways to attempt to get out of doing the job. Try making the chart more friendly looking. Allow him to help design it with you and add his own creative touches with drawings, sequins and glitter. If it is enjoyable to look at, it won't seem so threatening.
• What if I just keep the list and tell my kid what her chore is for the day?
  This is one way to handle being organized and keeping things under control. However, kids are empowered when they can read and complete their assigned tasks on their own. The sense of accomplishment gained from taking responsibility is enhanced by not needing to be told each day what to do. When kids do the chore for themselves, their pride is self-motivating. Your gratitude is too.