Mornings can be so stressful. Breakfast, hair, forgotten homework, and the list goes on and on. I feel like I’m going crazy trying to remember who has already done what. My brain can’t handle running through the list of “did you’s” in the morning…
“Did you”:
- brush your teeth,
- comb your hair,
- make your bed, etc.
And then to repeat the whole “did you” list again at bedtime? Ugh. No thank you!
We have solved this problem with responsibility charts. Boy oh boy does this make my life easier. Instead of rattling off each item, I simply ask “Did you do your chart?” Each individual child then mentally runs through the list of things to do. If they have forgotten an item, it is easy for them to “check their chart” to see what they forgot.
Each chart is individualized for the child depending on their age and their need for reminders. The charts are taped to their bedroom doors for easy reference as they get ready.
Our charts are fairly simple, but extremely effective:
(Just click on the image to print your own chart!)
Our 3 year old’s chart looks like this:
Our 5 year old’s chart looks like this:
The 7 and 8 year olds have the same charts that look like this:
The charts also serve as a great way to provide natural consequences. For example, if they forget to lay their outfit out the night before, they may not have their favorite pair of pants and it’s just tough luck for them.
On the other hand, we have a reward system where they can earn points for completing their chart with a good attitude each morning. When they earn enough points they get an individual date.
Honestly, this has been one of my FAVORITE things that we do in our family. It creates a clear expectation of what needs to be done each morning and night, and helps keep the mood light and positive with no nagging!
How do you keep mornings free of nagging?
