Sensory Processing Disorder Chores, Rewards & Charts For Kids
Topics that come up often from parents are rewards, chores, responsibilities and charts. There's so much information out there that it become overwhelming. Chores and expectations can be different depending on many different factors. The child's age, physical ability, maturity and their interests.
You can supervise and have an idea for what is too much for your child based on their abilities. Some children cannot do chores that others their age can and that's okay too.
I know that getting our children to do chores can be extremely challenging. I am all too familiar with the meltdowns, yelling and chaos that comes along with reminding our kids that they need to do their chores.
It can be very frustrating as a parent reminding them as much as we have too because they forgot, got distracted, they were overwhelmed or had a hard time following your directions.
Chores are so important as our children grow. They learn a lot from chores. It teaches them life skills, self discipline, independence, they will learn that they need to contribute and work hard too. A family works together, pitches in and each person has to do their part.
Chores and responsibilities will help a child feel like an important part of a family. Children want to feel needed. Chores will help them build self esteem. Try to choose chores that they will be able to complete successfully. Your child may need a lot of reminders, going over each step several times and require more supervision than other children.
When they are successful, praise them as much as possible. (it will make them want to do it again) If chores are smaller tasks that don't take as much time they won't lose interest as quickly and will stay on task and feel more accomplished. The next time they're asked to do something they wont be as reluctant to do it for you.
Setting timers or agree on a time together that the chore should be completed by can also motivate them to want to do it. Make it a game, make it fun for them.
For myself, I have ADHD/SPD. I can get messy and unorganized at times but when we focus on short tasks we tend to give great detail to what we are doing. When you ask a child with ADHD/SPD to clean there room, without instructions, steps, time limits or expectations and it is really messy they get upset, have a meltdown, don't want to do it, scream, throw things around and get overwhelmed because for them that massive, huge mountain seems impossible to climb.
What I have always done was one step at a time and eventually it will be done. Not just for my kids but myself too. If it doesn't all get done today, that's okay because eventually it will with smaller goals and expectations.
Example:
Day 1 "Let's see how fast you can pick up your dirty clothes in your room and I will time you. You don't have to do anything else today, just pick up your dirty clothes."
Day 2 "Today, let's see if you can beat your time for how fast you picked up your dirty clothes and we will see how fast you pick up your toys this time."
Day 3 "You know what? You picked up your clothes so quickly, then you picked up your toys even quicker yesterday. I wonder if you could make your bed and put your books away in the same time or quicker today."
When they have completed these tasks give them praise.
"You did that so well today"
"You are really good at picking up your things"
"I am so happy that you picked up your dirty clothes"
Toddlers enjoy sticker charts as they are a visual to their success. They usually love doing chores and being helpful. When you let them assist you in your daily chores, you are creating a healthy and positive path to their independence and willingness to help others as well.
Preschool and kinder age children also enjoy chores and being helpful. At these ages they don't need to be as supervised and once you take some time to show them how to do different chores they will become more independent. Some parents at this age introduce allowance to their children. It is an incentive for them to want to earn money to purchase items they would like to have. A valuable life skill.
When children begin going to school they usually aren't as motivated to do chores as they used to be. The excitement of helping will diminish as the years move forward. Keeping track of responsibilities and using a chart will guild them to be more self-sufficient.
Preteens appreciate knowing what chores are expected and a set routine. Giving them unexpectant chores can usually make them less motivated and unwilling. Sit down and make an agreement on chores and expectations for a smooth transition. Then they will also understand the negative consequences should they not be completed and positive reinforcement when they are completed.
Teens. This is when it can become more difficult but at this age they should be more capable of doing almost any chore in your home. Teenagers tend to get overwhelmed as they have their own schedules and activities and find it unmanageable at times to juggle everything. Build expected chores around their schedules so it is a positive experience for everyone. Always do what works for you, your child's schedule and your family.
Some children need to learn how to do chores step by step and others will catch on quickly from watching you do it. Social stories can also help children learn step by step and be a visual reminder when they begin their chore if it's hung up for them to see.
Many parents use apps for chore points, charts, collecting pom poms or coins in jars, allowance, chore cards or other ideas that work for their family. These are just some ideas to try. Do what works best for you and your family.
20 Tips to make doing chores easier for you and you child
1. Have reasonable expectations.
2. Keep it simple and basic so they don't become overwhelmed.
3. Give them step by step instructions.
4. Use lists.
5. Chores should take less than five-ten minutes.
6. Make it fun, turn it into a game.
7. Don't call them chores, make up a new name, ask them what they would like to call them or ask "could you help me do this?"
8. Give three options. Ask them which two they choose to do.
9. Offer breaks in between each chore. 10 minute chore then 15 minutes to play.
10. Choose chores that keep them active such as taking out the garbage, sweeping or vacuuming.
11. Let them choose which days they get to do which chores. They are more willing to help if they feel they have some control.
12. Use chore charts and stickers.
13. Try asking them to pick up 5 things and come back for a high five.
14. Rewards do not always have to be items but time and experiences. Earn alone time for mother/daughter days or a Dad/son movie night.
15. Use positive reinforcement as much as possible. Instead of criticizing when you didn't like something, try to find ways to praise what they did do good.
16. Be consistent. If you make your expectations clear today and tomorrow but don't follow through the next day it can be confusing for them.
17. Focus on one chore before asking them to do other chores. When one chore is completed than you ask for another chore to be done if that is your expectation.
18. When using chores as punishment, your child will see them as a negative experience. Make chores as positive as you can because they will feel better about doing them and be more willing to complete them.
19. When they are asking you for something but chores are not completed yet, try using the when/then method. When you do this, then you can do that.
20. Be clear about rewards and what needs to be accomplished to receive a reward. Have them repeat it back to you so that you know they were listening and understood.
What chores are age appropriate for children?
Ages 2 and 3
1. Helping a parent water house plants or garden
2. Washing their hands
3. Dusting baseboards with socks on their hands
4. Stirring batter in bowl
5. Put books on a shelf
6. Help clean up spills with a parent
7. Assist a parent with feeding family pets
8. Get dressed with parental help
9. Picking up their toys
10. Brush their teeth and put their brush away
11. Take their dirty to the laundry area
Ages 4 and 5
1. Making their own bed
2. Sorting laundry by color, darks and lights
3. Putting their shoes and coat away
4. Fold dish towels and dish cloths
5. Washing plastic dishes
6. Hanging clothes on hooks
7. Bringing in their things in from the car to the house
8. Helping with preparing family meals
9. Help parents carry in the lighter groceries
10. Assist parents setting the family table
11. Clearing the table when meals are finished
12. Dusting the home with a cloth
13. Use handheld vacuum
14. Carry smaller boxed or canned foods
from grocery bags to cupboards
15. Clean their room with some help
16. Match their socks after clothes are washed
17. Hang up towels in the bathroom
Ages 6 and 7
1. Making their own bed every day
2. Brushing their teeth
3. Combing/brushing their hair
4. Choose their own clothing and get dressed
5. Helping with preparing family meals
6. Taking care of family pets with supervision such as exercise and food/water
7. Vacuuming different rooms in the house
8. Cleaning and tidying up their own room
9. Dusting different rooms in the house
10. Folding smaller easier laundry with some help
11. Putting away dishes in the dishwasher
12. Putting their laundry in their drawers or closets
13. Mopping floors with some help
14. Empty trash or sorting/taking out recycling
Ages 8 and 11
1. Waking up using an alarm clock
2. Keeping their bedroom clean and tidy
3. Raking leaves and helping with yard work
4. Washing the dishes
5. Putting laundry away
6. Taking care of their own personal hygiene
7. Preparing some easier meals on their own
8. Learning to use the washer/dryer
9. Being responsible for their own belongings
10. Washing the family car with some help
11. Taking out the trash for curbside pick up
12. Cleaning the bathroom with some help
13. Being responsible for their homework
Ages 12 and 13
1. Changing the bag or emptying the canister for the vacuum
2. Setting their own alarm clock
3. Baby sitting with help and guidance
4. Maintain personal items, such as recharging cell phones
5. Mowing the lawn with help
6. Prepare some meals for the family
7. Cleaning mirrors throughout the house
8. Take care of their own personal hygiene
9. Dusting, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms and doing dishes
10. Changing light bulbs throughout the house
11. Changing their own bed sheets
12. Taking care of their own belongings and homework
13. Keep their own rooms clean and tidy
Ages 14 and 15
1. Buying groceries with assistance
2. Responsible for their library card and taking back books on time
3. Sorting and taking out recycles
4. Serving some family meals
5. Baby sitting
6. Preparing family meals
7. Keeping their own bedroom tidy/clean
8. Being responsible for all their own personal chores
9. Doing yard work when it is needed such as snow removal, raking leaves etc.
10. Washing windows with some help
11. Making a grocery list with assistance
12. Doing house chores without prompting
Ages 16 and 18
1. Preparing family meals
2. Purchasing their own clothes
3. Maintaining any car they drive oil changes/tire pressure
4. Paying for gas for their own car
5. Doing yard work when it is needed
6. Responsible to earn their own spending money
7. Deep cleaning of the house
8. Do housework as needed
9. Serving family meals
10. Making grocery lists and picking up groceries
11. Cleaning household appliances or defrosting the freezer
12. Keeping their room clean/tidy
Reward Sticker Chore Charts
Resources For Parents And Children
Kenson Kids “I Can Do It!” Reward Chart Supplemental Chore Pack – Ages 3 to 10
Sometimes, children find accomplishing chores at home more difficult than obeying instructions at school. The Kenson Kids "I Can Do It!" Supplemental Behavior/Family Pack makes it easy for children to plot and follow action-based tasks around the house.
These pieces attach to your Kenson Kids "I Can Do It!" Magnetic Reward and Responsibility Chart and can be mixed and matched with other supplemental packs. They are perfect for focusing on obeying household rules and treating family members with respect.
Goodtimer | Positive Reinforcement Educational Toy, Chore Chart, Visual Timer, and Good Behavior Game for Kids
Encourage healthy habits and bring your family closer together with Goodtimer. Our easy-to-use positive reinforcement toy incentivizes good behavior with token incentives, glowing lights, and encouraging sounds in a way that's fun and simple enough for toddlers to understand.
Developed by positive parenting experts and backed by neuroscience, Goodtimer’s patented technology is a highly effective way to reinforce good behavior and encourage children to form healthy habits that last.
In search of an inspiring magnetic star chart to help your kid become more responsible?
On the lookout for a reusable learning chore board to be offered on a loved kid’s birthday?
Whizbuilders has released a mind-blowing reward chart that will turn your kids into stars in all their daily obligations!
On the lookout for a reusable learning chore board to be offered on a loved kid’s birthday?
Whizbuilders has released a mind-blowing reward chart that will turn your kids into stars in all their daily obligations!
Kids LOVE reward. And this dry erase magnetic chore chart, hanging gloriously on the fridge will inspire them to get in charge of their activity and be rewarded with a dazzling star every time they make it!
The Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility and Chore Chart contains a pair of fabric hinged dry erase boards with 90 magnets featuring behavior and rewards
This kids’ responsibility chart has been designed to help kids develop strong responsibility traits and good behavior. The reward magnets inspire children with positive feedback
This kids’ responsibility chart has been designed to help kids develop strong responsibility traits and good behavior. The reward magnets inspire children with positive feedback
The Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility and Chore Chart makes an exceptional gift for kids 3 years and up. Add the Melissa & Doug My First Daily Calendar to round out the hands on, screen free play experience
Children thrive when given new tasks and activities to complete. They will stay motivated and disciplined when all their hard work is displayed visually for the whole family to see. There are a host of included task magnets for a wide range of chores and even manners. Plus, there are some blank magnets that you can write or draw whatever you want on them. The sturdy magnet board comes with a dry erase marker and can be written or drawn directly on and then erased and updated. Each board is split into 7 days of the week with a column for activities. You or your child can add reward stars to track their progress or use the included marker to keep a tally of their accomplishments. Teach the special child in your life how rewarding it is to learn and master a new skill in a way that turns learning into play and fun!
This fun and empowering chart featuring Disney favorites, such as Mickey and friends, helps kids three and up learn to manage their responsibilities, behaviors, and goals. The double-sided wooden magnetic board includes 90 magnets highlighting responsibilities, positive behaviors, rewards, and a blank magnet for personalizing. There's a behavior chart on one side and a magnetic dry-erase board which keeps all the magnets close at hand, on the other side.
100 Pieces I was Caught Being Good Incentive Coins Colorful Plastic Coins Tokens for Kids Play Reward
1 x glass jar, 1 x lid with an open slot, 100 x colorful game coins, including gold, red, blue, green, white, purple and pink game coins total 100 pieces, which are the energetic elements in this set
Quality and safe materials: the jar is made of quality glass materials, safe and strong, the colored coins are made of quality plastic, light and realistic, non-toxic and safe, and have good durability; This is conducive to use and collection, bringing you a good experience, and becoming a good collection item
"Daskid Task Chart" is a magnetic dry erase chart for children 2 years and up, that aim to encourage responsibility and independence at an early age. It allows you to set goals for Morning Chores, Bedtime Chores, Household Chores, Manners Chores, Potty Training Chores.The reward chart acknowledges children's positive behavioral changes by rewarding them and keeping them motivated to continue being responsible.
Children can collect stars for the kids chore chart each time they demonstrate the relevant behavior and then exchange the stars for a reward later on.
Children can collect stars for the kids chore chart each time they demonstrate the relevant behavior and then exchange the stars for a reward later on.
Easily Record and Encourage Your Child’s Achievements. This toddler/children's reward chart for kids has a thick, strong magnet to hold it securely to any metal surface, your fridge is ideal. You can easily add your own personalized chores for your child’s needs with the included magnetic dry-erase marker.
Creative QT Chore Sticks for Kids - Make Chores a Game - Interactive Family Activity Combine Responsibility with Rewards - A Fun Alternative to a Chore Chart
The original Chore Sticks are a playful introduction to all kinds of regular chores around the house. You will hardly recognize your own children as they complete each task and come running back to see what’s next. Our blend of regular chore sticks and fun, surprise sticks makes this an entertaining approach to housework for the entire family!
Take the fight out of clean-up time with this engaging approach to your household “to do” list
The original Chore Sticks are a playful introduction to all kinds of regular chores around the house. You will hardly recognize your own children as they complete each task and come running back to see what’s next. Our blend of regular chore sticks and fun, surprise sticks makes this an entertaining approach to housework for the entire family!
Take the fight out of clean-up time with this engaging approach to your household “to do” list
Grab your chore sticks, draw your surprise and carefully complete your task to see what you’ll pick next!
Catch children in the act of behaving well and reward them, then watch those good habits multiply! Open the fabric-hinged boards to reveal a behavior chart on one board, while the other board keeps all the magnets close at hand. A sturdy cord is attached for hanging the chart. The set includes a dry-erase board and 90 magnets, featuring responsibilities, positive behaviors, and rewards. This kids’ responsibility chart has been designed to help kids develop strong responsibility traits and encourage good behavior. Parents can discuss with kids what responsibility means and why it’s important. They can also share what some of their own responsibilities are, then talk about what kinds of behaviors and responsibilities are expected of their kids.
Having trouble getting your kids to pick up after themselves? Are you endlessly prompting them to do their homework? Wouldn't you love to hear please and thank you more often? The "I Can Do It!" Reward Chart can help!
Children thrive on praise and a little incentive goes a long way. This chart gives parents the tools to help raise more responsible, self- reliant kids.
Children thrive on praise and a little incentive goes a long way. This chart gives parents the tools to help raise more responsible, self- reliant kids.
Unlike other chore charts, the "I Can Do It!" Reward Chart is easy to use and has fun colorful pictures to go along with the tasks to help the child associate words with the task. Kids develop a positive self-esteem and sense of independence when they feel they are contributing to the family and can make their own choices. Motivating instead of trying to control your child's behaviors will help mold him or her to be the best they can be. The best parenting books have been stressing these concepts for years.
These punch card are great for use by teachers as well as parents and can be used with kids of most ages. You can use it as a reward system to give kids responsibilities and they are proud to take charge of, they'll earn prizes when the card is filled. Keep kids behavior well and keep unwanted behaviors at bay.
Pack of 100 punch cards, great and easy way to have children earn a reward for working at and achieving their goals.
Helpful for teachers using in classroom as a reward for good behavior, easier than stickers.
Great for kids reward system, use them as incentives for kids to do chores. Do a chore get a punch, when the card is filled they get whatever reward they picked
Pack of 100 punch cards, great and easy way to have children earn a reward for working at and achieving their goals.
Helpful for teachers using in classroom as a reward for good behavior, easier than stickers.
Great for kids reward system, use them as incentives for kids to do chores. Do a chore get a punch, when the card is filled they get whatever reward they picked
Rounded corners, prevent children from being scratched by cards
Make Your Own DIY Scratch Off ScratchNotes 20 Pack 3x4 Note Cards & Stickers Make Chores Fun - Motivation for Kids
Say that special something with our fabulous Scratch Notes! Write in your own message! Motivate your child with age appropriate chores with our Scratch Notes! Write in your own message! Perfect for any age! Write in the chore - or - write in a reward for doing a chore and cover with the scratch off sticker provided. You can also draw the chore/reward for pre-school age kids! We have several super fun designs to choose from, made by our own My Scratch Offs Design Team. Each pack has 20 cards and 20 scratch off stickers for you to write in your own message. Peel and stick a scratch off sticker to cover the message, and it’s ready to go! Please scratch with a coin or scratcher tool. How You Can Use These: -Write a love note -Write a lunch box note -Say hi to a friend -Give a gift -Teacher Reward -Write your child a special message -Inspirational Messages -Anything you can fit in the circle!
Noodlo Dry Erase Chore Chart, Kids Responsibility Chart for Any Flat Surface, Reusable Chores Chart for Potty Training to Improve Child Behavior with Reward Perfect for Family with Multiple Children
You can easily use and stick our stickers to any flat surface in your home, not like the other products in the market that requires only metal surfaces, any flat surface will do the job perfectly such as walls, doors, cabinets, refrigerators, etc.. and If the stickers got dirty or the stickiness feels a little weaker after a while, simply wash them with water and they will return to the original (A Chart That You Can Really Count On To Organize All Your Tasks).
Great treasure chest chore prizes! Sensory Fidget Toys Pack - Stress Relief and Anti Anxiety Toys for Kids - Cool Fidget Packs with Stress Balls, Fidget Cube, & More for Party Favors, Prizes, Travel, & Pinata Stuffers
These fidget packs contain a variety of sensory toys which have been designed to relieve stress and reduce anxiety levels by squeezing, stretching and flipping them around. Each toy has a different sensory action and our fidget toy pack effectively helps ease stress and increases focus and attention
Helps Relieve Stress and Anxiety – Research has proven that fidget toys are highly beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety as well as helping those with ADHD, ADD, Autism, OCD or for quitting bad habits
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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