5 chore chart mistakes that make kids give up

Most chore charts fail in the first two weeks. The good news is that it is usually the same handful of mistakes, and they are all fixable.

The five mistakes

• Too many tasks. A chart with ten chores overwhelms a child. Start small and add only when the current list is easy.
• Vague chores. 'Tidy up' is too vague. 'Put the books on the shelf' is a task a child can actually finish.
• Inconsistent rewards. If the reward changes or disappears, the chart stops mattering.
• Using the chart as a punishment. A chart is a habit tool, not a scoreboard. Removing stickers or adding penalties kills the motivation.
• Giving up too early. Habits take weeks. A chart that feels like it's not working in week one is often working by week four.

Avoid these five and the chart has a real chance. Print a fresh chart for your child's age on the chore chart page.