Hello everyone, I had to share my new victory: chores for kids that they actually enjoy doing. It’s a magnetic chore chart, that they call a “game”, and voluntarily ask for… No, really! I’ve seen this concept on other websites; my biggest inspiration was from a website called A Spotted Pony. I gathered what worked for our family, omitted what didn’t and added my own twist on the subject. I’m a huge proponent of anything that keeps my sanity in tact. As a mother of 3, ages 4 and under, this is not always an easy task. I am not obsessed with cleaning and would rather spend time with people than clean any day of the week; however, it is important to my husband, so I have tried to make it a priority for myself as well. In the process I have started appreciating the journey.

Here is the finished project of my chore chart for my daughter, Izzy.[/caption]

Here are some reasons why I think it’s great for kids to help out with chores

1. Many hands make lighter work (you’ll notice I didn’t say light work).
2. Parents get more time with kids.
3. Teach responsibility – If you mess it up, you should clean it.
4. Parents are less stressed – It keeps the kids busy cleaning instead of making another mess.

How to Make a Magnetic Chore Chart

Supplies Needed

• Magnetic Roll, or Magnetic Sheet (I purchased mine at a hardware store)
• Packaging Tape
• Cookie/Pizza Sheet (bought at Dollar Tree)
• Acrylic Paint (bought at Walmart .50-1.00 per bottle)
• Paintbrush
• Newspaper
• Stickers/Embellishments
• Egg Carton
• Modge Podge or Polyeurothene

Step 1 – Decorate the Cookie Sheet

First lay down some newspaper, and then have the kids paint a design on their cookie sheet. I used on old egg carton to separate my acrylic paints, and it worked great. After it dries, add some more stickers or embellishments around the border. I also had the kids add some big chunky letters spelling out their name. Upon completion add Polyurethane. Modge Podge is probably the more standard item. I just didn’t want to spend more money and already had the Polyurethane.

Step 2 – Print Out Some Chores

Here is a nice free selection of chore cards at Confessions of a Homeschooler Mom. I printed them out at 50% of the actual size to accommodate the cookie trays. You may want to keep actual size depending on your preference.

Those got me started, but I also wanted to include a couple more. You are free to use the cards that I created and added for my kid’s chore charts.

You can download the pdf for printing here.

Credit goes to http://clipart.christiansunite.com/Bibles_Clipart/ and http://www.cartoonclipartfree.info/Schule_Clipart_Kind_Seite_025.php#.Ux0tQl5H3xs for the clip art used.

Step 3 – Laminate the Chore Cards

Laminate the chore cards by taking strips of packaging tape and sealing the paper one section at a time. Then cut the chore cards out individually.

Step 4 – Add Magnets

Lastly, add a magnet to the back of each chore card and voila your project is complete.

I keep the chore magnets in a canister, but whatever you have that can contain them would work just fine. When it’s chore time they reach their hand in and are able to pick out a chore. Both my 3 and 4 year old can handle this. Each stage requires a different level of attention. My 3 year old is getting better but generally needs to be coaxed and assisted in her chores, or she gets side tracked. Whereas my 4 year old, pretty much can handle most of his chores independently. I just love this chore chart! I have tried various styles and this one has been my favorite.