Getting kids to do their chores doesn't have to be a daily battle. Sometimes a simple chore chart is all that's needed to hold children accountable without a power struggle. Families can choose to use chore charts alone or in conjunction with a reward system. It's really up to the parents' philosophies.

Chore charts are excellent for teaching responsibility for everything from getting ready for school to caring for a pet. Kicking a habit such as nail biting or thumb sucking seems more manageable when progress is tracked visually on a chart. Teachers and homeschooling parents often use behavior charts in class. Even preschool-age children who don't yet read can use chore charts that are illustrated with drawings of what needs to be done.

There are blank chore charts available online, as well as versions that can be customized to better suit your family. Some charts track chores by the week, others by the month, while still others have a set number of squares to fill in. Some charts can be customized in Microsoft Word.

Once you find a chore chart design you like, download and print it. Also, save it to your computer so you can get to it easily later. You may want to laminate the chart so you can write on it again and again with a dry-erase pen, or simply print out a new chart each week or month.

Be sure your child understands how the chart works, and, preferably, is "on board" with the premise. Most kids find it rewarding to see a row of X's or stickers showing that they're well on their way to meeting their goals, whether it's helping to keeping up the household or practicing a musical instrument. A chart could add the extra motivation they need.

Sit down as a family and talk about what it means to be part of a family and contribute to the common good of the household. It's not just about authority and taking out the garbage; it's about respect and working together.

Some families may opt to establish a reward system, or even a cash allowance that's tied to chore completion. Other parents feel that amounts to bribery, and completing the expected tasks is nonnegotiable. In the case of behavior charts, a child working hard to stop an undesirable behavior, such as whining or nail biting, might get the extra push he or she needs know that a prize-be it a coveted toy or a special outing with Mom or Dad-is at the end of the journey.

Display the chart somewhere prominent, such as the refrigerator. Or, if the chart is designed for specific routines such as tooth-brushing or a task such as potty training, consider putting it in the bathroom.

Whatever chart or method you choose, experts agree that consistency is the key to success.

Copyright 2009 by Kevin Savetz

Kevin Savetz is the creator of www.ChoreCharts.net, a site offering full-color, printable chore charts and behavior charts. The site is part of the www.FreePrintable.net family of sites.