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3 Easy Steps to Stop the Whine at Chore Time

by Carol Snider, SouthJeffCoMomstown.com

Saturday morning turned into the time I wanted to put in ear plugs and resort to a good book.  What was it about Saturday mornings that made me want to retreat into a turtle shell?  You guessed it, Chore Time.

After several failed attempts at chore charts and stickers, the thought came to me to try something new.  We all become stubborn and dig our heels in when we are FORCED to do something.  We all LOVE the power of CHOOSING.  The following Saturday I set chore cards on the table with 3 different levels (and payment) of chores.  The children took turns choosing their chores.  How refreshing!  Who knew something so simple would stop the Saturday morning whine session?

Here are your 3 steps to stop the Whine:

1. Gather some index cards.  Decide how many chores you want each child to do.  Multiply that number by the number of children you have and you're ready to start.
2. Write the chores on your cards and the amount of payment (if you desire to pay for the chore)
3. Sort the cards on a table in their level of chores.  Allow your children to take turns choosing one chore from each level. 

I was amazed at the BIG difference this simple method made in our home.  Our home became a whine-free zone on Saturday mornings!  Below is a sample of cards.  The clipart was found at the Microsoft Office website if you want to go the extra mile.

Good luck in creating a whine free zone at your home!  I would love to hear what has worked in your family.  Please leave a comment below to share your ideas.