We've been working with our new chore system based on Managers of Their Chores for a couple weeks. Overall, I've been very pleased in how things are going.
There is quite a bit of study that goes into setting up this system. I was originally skeptical that a chore system based on the concept of clipping the chores to one's person would be superior to the job lists that we've used for years. Also, the book wasn't cheap. Around $37 including shipping and the extra ChorePack kit we needed.
In the end, my expectations have been surpassed. The children need much less reminding to stay on task. Caleb calls his chores "missions" and is excited to complete his missions. They often decide start their jobs early so they can zip through their ChorePacks quicker at job time.
Emelie is the only one that seems to think this system is beneath her. However, the fact that I have my own ChorePack that I faithfully wear has helped that attitude. The little girls are prone to forget their packs especially when it comes to changing their clothes. I need to be more diligent about keeping them on task.
The best things that have come out of this are things I didn't expect. Their master chore list brought up jobs we hadn't been doing (assigning someone to clean out the van or cleaning up the front porch weekly). My bedroom and bathroom have never looked better since I'm reminded to tidy them up every day. And we all love that little vacuum!
Using an acronym from the book I made this wall chart that we recite through at breakfast.
I also loved the idea of listing out what is necessary for a job to be complete. These are on the backs of the doors to almost every room.
Bryan uses the Chore Assignment List when he does inspections in the evenings. It's in a page protector so he can mark areas that need to be reworked.
I give this system a big "thumbs-up." While it may seem tedious to read through 19 chapters on chores, it helped me create a system that is well thought-out and, best of all, it's working!
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Woohoo, I'm so excited to read this post! I have been waiting for your review on Managers of Their Chores since you posted about purchasing the book! I have now purchased the book, but have yet to start reading it as it only just arrived. I still want to work on the Managers of Their Homes schedule first, which isn't in place yet. I'm so glad to see that it's working well for you, and more excited than ever to get stuck into the book myself! :)
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ReplyDeleteHmmm, not sure what the last comment said, but I think it rocks! Love that it is working for you guys! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting this review. I've been waiting somewhat patiently to hear what you thought of the system. I do believe I'm going to purchase the book and get my system set up. Thanks Lainie!!! I love reading your blog. Also, can't wait for CROSS to begin again even though it just ended.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to know it works for you. I am sure J would feel the same as your E. I read the book and started the lists, but didn't get past that. I think I may have to...but that means I need to find the book.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of inspections does your husband do? Are rewards involved?
Bryan just uses the checklist to make sure the jobs were done decently. Anyone that passes insection receives a quarter in their "account" on the tally sheet we keep.
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