I want to get my kids on board with organizing and helping out around the house. I figure the early I start filling them with organizational skills, the faster they will catch on. I have a 6 year old, a 4 year old, and a 2 year old. My oldest hates anything that constitutes a chore or helping out. He's much too busy doing his own thing. My middle is a great helper and is eager to learn new "jobs" around the house. My youngest is just starting to understand the concept of picking up his toys.
I figured a chore chart was an easy way to let them see what needs to be done without me nagging all the time. I decided a magnetic board would work well for our family. Swapping chores will be easy with this method and it lets each child see what is expected.
I started out with several silver/metal trays that I found at Goodwill. The small ones were under $2 each and the largest one was $4. I spray painted each tray a fun color and added a chalkboard painted center so I could easily write in any extra chores that might only come around so often. I labeled each tray with the child's name using my silhouette and some premium vinyl.
Next I bought round wood discs from Michael's. These were under $2 for a pack of 8. I painted them white and added a round magnet to the back. I used my printer to print out the various chores and Mod Podged them onto the painted discs.
I love how this project turned out. I needed something to hang on our new toy cabinets to hide some slight scratching from the previous owners. This was the perfect thing. My kids were so excited about it tonight. I even had my oldest helping without complaint. The two oldest picked out which chores they wanted to complete and then completed them. I think this system is going to work great for our family and adding more chores as the kids grow older will be easy. The whole project cost me less than $20. That was definitely money well spent. We are now on our way to be more organized when it comes to household chores!
What are you doing to get organized in 2012?
Happy Crafting,
Shara
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Where & when can I order a set :P
ReplyDeletecute friend!
ReplyDeleteVery cute and practical! I love that you "upcycled" the trays from the thrift shop. :)
ReplyDeletethis is such a smokin' idea; I was at my local charity shop this am and picked up my trays....and 12 kids books for 2$.....and a set of three candlesticks for .50 cents (they are awaiting a new life as tiers in a dessert stand) I'm using this chore chart as a component of a larger message center in our kitchen, thanks for the ingenuity!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of chalkboard paint did you use that was also magnetic? Awesome idea! These look amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee. Three of the four trays were already magnetic. I used a magnetic primer under the chalkboard paint on the round one. It's not quite as strong but works pretty well. :)
Deletehow did you actually hang them on the wall? are they glued to the cabinet?
ReplyDeleteSue, I used the Command Strips that are for hanging picture frames. The kind with the little plastic teeth like velcro. Worked like a charm. :)
DeleteThis is so awesome! I am going to do this with our three children! I can't wait to get started!! :)
ReplyDeleteOmg I have renewed hope in the chore chart system again! My kid's are much older than yours but me politely asking my 12yr old daughter to clean isn't working....so a brilliant visual is a great idea! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove this!, making it this weekend! How did u do the names?
ReplyDeleteI used my silhouette machine and cut out vinyl. But you could easily write with a chalk marker and get a similar look.
ReplyDelete