Fresh Start With A Chart!

Are you tired of hearing that you forgot to put your child's book back in their backpack or that you were supposed to sign something that your child never gave you? 


Now that school is back in session, it is time to make sure that we are helping our kids take responsibility for their own materials and work.  


What to do? Start with a chart! Charts are not just for younger children. Sit down with your child and decide what his responsibilities are when he gets home from school. You can use the computer and list the days of the week across the top with your child's responsibilities along the right side. Then create boxes so your child can make a check mark as he completes the task. 


Examples:
Younger children can list things such as wash hands, have snack, show folder, do homework, place homework back in bag, library books in bag, etc.


Older children can list things such as show agenda/get it signed, complete homework, study, read, etc. 


If there is something listed that does not apply one day, they can put an "x" in the box.


A chart like this can help put the responsibility in your child's hands as opposed to yours. It is important that she helps create the chart and list of responsibilities. Post the chart in a common area so she sees it daily and remembers to use it!