The basis is this: Each of our kids has a checklist of daily responsibilities. We have checklists printed out for each child and when they complete each task, they check them off. If everything is checked off at the end of the week they get a small allowance. If they’ve missed a check, we have makeup tasks that they can perform.
Crystal Wilkerson has so generously designed these simple, colorful printable checklists that can be used for an entire month. I have ours printed and attached to our pantry door with a little bit of washi tape. They’re in a location where everyone can reach them and see them all the time. Morning tasks are to be completed before the kids leave for school and the rest are done afterschool or before bed.
I love how these checklists are a visual reminder of the basic things that need to be completed each day. Morning + afterschool time are busy times in the day and having the kids stick to their checklists really keeps things running smoothly in our home. We have a no t.v. policy in the mornings and afterschool checks need to be completed before the t.v. can come on or before friend time. Sure, there are days when the checklists just go out the window because things get busy, I love how they’ve helped my kids develop some good habits, which in turn means less nagging from me!
Each of our kids has a zone in the house they’re responsible for maintaining daily for an entire week. We rotate zones based on a simple circle chart and these new ones, designed by Crystal Wilkerson are SO pretty….our old one made out of construction paper just wasn’t holding up anymore. 😉 Our chart used to include a playroom but we don’t have one in this house so we’ve adjusted the pie chart to include 4 major zones that I feel get the dirtiest throughout any given day. If a child is on that zone they’re responsible for keeping it clean and tidy each day.
I help the younger two with this, but in rooms like the kitchen I’ll have the child who is on that zone just do a quick wipe of the counters in the morning before they leave for school – even the three year old can do that! The main bathroom can always use a quick wipe down with a disinfectant wipe. I don’t expect them to clean each zone top to bottom everyday, just keep it clean and tidy. We typically do a big clean on Saturday morning.
That is just a quick rundown of how our responsibility system works – if you have any questions just let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer. 🙂
As for these lovely checklists + circle charts, Crystal has made some fabulous free printable versions for us! You can simply print them out and write in your own info to create your family’s daily checklists. She also made printable circle chart templates that include 3, 4, 5 or 6 spaces. See the examples above of how you can use these circle charts – the possibilities are endless!
Download the free checklists here.
Download the free circle chart templates here.
If you’d like a customized family checklist + circle chart Crystal can create those for you and here’s all the info you’ll need:
the # of children in your family.
you want customized.
-Custom orders are being taken until September 5th only
Don’t miss out on any of the fun we’ve been having during Back to School week here at Simple as that! Check out these posts + be sure to enter some exciting giveaways while you’re there!
Simple + Healthy School Lunch Ideas with Easy Lunchboxes
Back to School Fashions with Tea Collection
Documenting School Memories with Project Life
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I have really enjoyed all your back to school ideas. Thank you for sharing
Rebecca, you are superwoman! I’m gonna give it a go, try to turn our absolute chaos into something much better!
Hi Rebecca, is Crystal’s shop closing permanently or will there be a 2014 planner?
Not at all @Jo!! 🙂 😉 We’re certainly aren’t perfect with this system, but we’ve stuck with it for a 1+ now and are loving it! The kids knowing what’s expected of them = less nagging from me, it’s a win-win for all. 🙂
a great post, love to see how you use these tools!
A quick question- is Crystal retiring from designing, will there not be a 2014 edition? I am more motivated to begin something new like that in the new year.
Thanks Rebecca!
@Becki…she isn’t retiring, she’s got some exciting things in store + I’ll be sure to keep you updated on her latest designs. 🙂 🙂
awesome, thank you Rebecca!
Rebecca! Love your post! Can I ask where your chalkboard command center piece is from? you might of mentioned it somewhere, but I’m brain dead and don’t see it! It’s exactly what I need in my home right now! Thanks!
Such great ideas!
Is Crystal closing her photoshop action shop this month too??? I’ve been saving up for a new camera, but I don’t want to miss out on the chance to snag some of those. Also, I love your white organizer tray, so beautiful and functional!
I love ALL of these ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m off to check out her shop… 🙂
I love organizing & this post is making my brain swell with joy. Oh, the possibilities. Will be giving some of these a go in my house. Thank you for sharing.
Of all the printable calendars and planners online, I love hers best. I’m desperately looking for the 2014 edition. Any help????
Do you have the chore chart in a psd file?
I always tend to do this more in the summer for our girls, when they are home more…more of a chores type chart. But this one is so much prettier than mine, love it!
What is the finish zone exactly?
I explained our zone chore system briefly in the post, but if you follow this link, you can read more about it: http://www.71toes.com/2012/11/a-money-system-that-works.html
This is great! Thank you so much for sharing 😀
I realize you posted this almost two years ago but I am wondering where you got that cute white file box?
This is so brilliant! I have a chore checklist for my daughter (not as beautiful as yours) and it works brilliantly. The chore wheels I’d never thought of and I love that!