Printable reward charts can be used for (almost) anything!
And I use them for all sorts of purposes, not just to motivate the kids. They are actually a terrific goal-getter tool for adults.
Well, I have been surfing online for different kinds of chore charts, printable reward charts, homework charts and the like (and finally decided to make a few of my own) and I am amazed at how many people EVERY DAY search for these low-tech types of parenting and household management tools.
So I'm asking: what's up with that? Do these folks actually use these printable charts? Is this all about trying to get your kids to do their part around the house? What makes someone search for a blank chore chart? Are they tired of nagging their kids (or spouse)?
I have a sneaking suspicion this is a fascinating cultural insight and is saying something profound about our daily family lives. I'd love to hear back from other parents about how and why printable charts are important in your homes.
Contents at a Glance
Research on printable charts
Who is looking for what kinds of charts?
*1234 people a day search for printable homework charts
*1114 people a day search for blank chore charts
*173 people a day search for printable behavior charts
*592 people a day search for printable chore charts
*84 people a day search for family chore charts
(My source for this data is www.wordtracker.com as of 1/19/09. Keep in mind that search results change every single day.)
This is only a small handful of searchers for printable charts. Let's face it, this is not a glamorous topic, so why are so many people looking for these resources?
Do Printable Charts Even Work?
I admit I'm a serious personal responsibility addict. Having already raised three kids to adulthood and still working on number four, I've seen firsthand what works and what doesn't in a home environment. I think there are pros and cons to the duel sides above.
-- A piece of paper can't change anyone. True. But a carefully crafted piece of paper can be a powerful tool IF you know what you want to accomplish with it and how to make that happen.
-- Children rely on their parents to impart the types of knowledge, resources and skills that will enable them to be reasonably ready to meet the demands of adulthood. This is a complex subject, of course, but chores are a time-honored and proven way to help accomplish that daunting task.
-- Self-discipline, initiative, self-control, respect and common sense aren't optional character traits if you want to raise a productive, happy adult. These traits are foundational bedrock for human beings. Chores, homework and family involvement are excellent ways to help a child take on these character traits and make them his own.
Are printable chore charts and the like effective ways to promote responsibility in a home? Or do they just make parents *think* they have accomplished something?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byPrintable charts really do promote responsible behavior in a family. They are a simple tool parents can use to guide, model and inspire accountability in all kinds of areas of life.
Reward and chore charts just clutter up a perfectly nice refrigerator door! A piece of paper never changed anyone's behavior. Besides, kids have too much to do these days as it is with school and social pressures; the last thing they need is their parents piling on more chores when they ought to be simply KIDS when they're at home.
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- 0ctavias0fferings 0ctavias0fferings Feb 4, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
- Love the subject of this lens and, yes, charts do work, the kids love to see them fill up with stars or smiley faces.
Some more illustrations in this lens would be a great benefit ;)
Power Mothering Podcast
Listen to one of my podcasts on using printable reward charts to your advantage.
by Colleen4
I own www.paintedgold.com, a resource site for moms wanting to make things better around their homes.
With four kids of my own, I... (more)
