Parenting Tip: The Responsibility Chart For Rewarding Good Behavior

reward kids for chores

If you’re a parent, you know the struggle of getting your kids to do their chores—or really anything you want them to do! As a mom, I want my daughters to grow into disciplined and responsible young ladies. But, at the same time, I also don’t want to put too much pressure on them. They’re just kids after all! That’s why I’m always on the hunt for fun new parenting ideas that will help make my life easier and improve their lives.

When I find new easy ideas (that my daughters and I both like), I just have to share them! The most recent one is a responsibility chart where the girls can earn points each day that they complete the tasks listed. Here’s how it works:

The Responsibility Chart & Reward Point System for Kids

So recently my husband, Justin, and I started using a point system. 

Each time the kids complete a task they earn 1 point. At the end of the week we count up the points and they’ll get a reward if they meet their goal.

Right now we’re giving them an allowance as their reward. This helps teach them about financial responsibility, but it could work for any special treat your kids love.

chores reward point system chart

Creating a responsibility chart for chores

Justin created our chart using a whiteboard so that we can easily erase and reset the board each day. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A dry erase board large enough for the size of your family
  • Colored tape to section off the board
  • And a dry erase marker

Make a column for each kid and list 6 responsibilities for the day with check box next to each one.

Hang the board someplace where the kids can get to it. Preferably in a place that they’ll see it throughout the day, that way it’ll serve as a reminder!

How the responsibility chart works to earn rewards

Each time the kids complete a task on their list they’ll get to put a checkmark next to it.

Keep a tally of how many checkmarks they get each day, up to six per day. At the end of the week, add everything up and if they have 30 points* they’ll get a reward!

*We used 30 points to give them a little bit of wiggle room, but it still ensured that they kept up with the majority of their responsibilities each day. You can choose whichever point goal you think is best.

And Using the 3 Strike Rule for Punishments

As parents we don’t enjoy punishing our kids (even if they think we do), but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Instead of sending them to their room right away, we use the 3 strike rule in our house.

What’s the 3 strike rule?

Each time one of the girls isn’t listening to what we’re saying to them or they’re disobeying us, they’ll get a strike. If they get 3 strikes, you guessed it, they’ll be punished. In our house that means no sweets after dinner (even if it’s a healthy treat) and going to bed early that night.

It works as a warning so that we’re not punishing them for everything, but still keeps them accountable for their actions.

Do you do anything like this responsibility chart in your house, or have something similar to the 3-strike rule? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear about what you do to help teach your kids responsibility!

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