5 Gadgets to Get Kids to Do Their Chores

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The challenge of getting kids to do their chores has only gotten more difficult with the evolution of technology. Here are 5 Gadgets to get kids to to their chores and keep them “on task”.

5 Ways to Use Technology to Get Kids To Do Their Chores

1. Garmin Vivofit

This kids version of Garmin Vivoactive allows kids to not only keep tract of their activity, but with an added app, allows parents to assign chores and manage rewards. The watches come in a variety of Disney, Marvel and StarWars characters, with corresponding apps to the watch. They are waterproof and recommended for ages 4-9. The biggest downside we can find is that the silicon watch bands tend to not last long, but replacements are available for purchase. Overall, this is a great way to get your kids to do their chores, be more active and start them on the path to setting and achieving goals.

2. Set Reminders on Their Phones

Just like we set reminders for ourselves… schedule reminders for your kids on their phones and iPods. They will have the option to ignore it, so as extra motivation, in the description of the reminder, make sure to include a consequence and deadline for completing the chore. If they don’t accomplish it – you need to follow through with the consequence. Having some offline charts posts as the overall plan is also a good idea, that way you have a reference for all chores, who is supposed to do them and when they are supposed to be done by. Again you can post a list of consequences and rewards if these are accomplished or not.

3. Use the Wunderlist App

This app allows you to share tasks with family and friends and create a digital networked to do list. While this might be a bit much for younger kids, it’s a great way for older kids (and even you spouse) to be on the same page and to help make things move more efficiently. The app is free to download and you can use your Microsoft or Skype account to login.

4. Use Alexa or Google Assistant

If you kid doesn’t have a phone (or has been banned from theirs) Alexa and Google Assistant can help remind them to complete your chores, even when you aren’t there. (Psst.. There’s a version created for kids and younger ears) [Affiliate Link]

Kids at home while at work? Use the Alexa announce feature through the Alexa app to send a verbal reminder to your kid. The first time you do this may have enough shock value that have the house clean when you get home (okay probably not). But it’s fun to think of them getting a verbal reminder from you when they least expect it. The downside of that is you don’t really know if they actually get that announcement or reminder if they aren’t in the room near the speaker. Still, this technique is another tool to help you keep them honest when it comes to doing their part.

5. OurHome App

The Our Home Chores and Rewards app focuses on a points system rather than making chores related to money. This helps make it more like a game and doesn’t set kids to think that they should be paid for picking up their own dirty laundry off the floor. By earning points kids get instant gratification for positive behavior, which as a whole can be turned into tangible rewards later that you can set up in the app as well. Overall it is simple and easy to use (great for parents and kids). OurHome features calendar functions, shopping lists, reminders, rewards,. Kids can see the tally of their “points” and how they break down. You can even give kids a “nudge” to get an assign tasks done.

While the list could certainly go on, hopefully this will get you thinking of some ways that you can use gadgets to get kids to do their chores and save some sanity in the process. Try different things and see what works best.

Also, let us know what works for you!

How do you keep the kids on task? Share your favorite ideas and success stories in the comments below!

Project Mommy: The Fall Checklist

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Its that time again, summer once again begins to fade and the cool air will quickly be upon us, as is a long list of thing to do to prepare for winter!


Here is a list of things that you will want to plan on doing in the next few weeks:

Once cold weather strikes, its no fun to drudge out into the cold unless you have to, so stock up on:

  • Pantry items (flour, sugar, butter, coffee)
  • Freezer items (Meats, cheese, frozen veggies/fruits)
  • Essentials (toilet paper and toothpaste)
  • Ramen Noodles (just kidding!)
(For those of you who do not live in the Northern half of the US, you may disregard the previous section…lol)

Energy Efficiency: (more coming forward on this time in later posts 😉
  • Consider and air duct cleaning since the vents will get used more than they probably did over the summer
  • Make sure screens are taken out and the exterior glass panes are put in in the windows and doors.
  • Invest in insulated energy-efficient curtains
Solid Grommet Top Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain 84" Length 1 Pair-BEIGE
Insulated Curtains now come in a variety of fashionable styles!

The garage



Amerimax Home Prod. 85475 Plastic Gutter Guard 6"x36" (Pack of 50)
Consider gutter guards to avoid clean out the gutters next year!





Prepare for frozen precipitation:
  • If you do not have a snow shovel (or better yet a snow blower) invest in one so you will be ready for any earlier snowfall
  • Same thing goes for snow salt
Inside the home:
  • Turn mattresses – I do this when the time change takes effect – makes it easy to track
  • Clean curtains (including the shower curtain 😉
  • Take comforters, heavy blankets to the dry cleaners or laundry-mat
  • Move furniture.rugs to get the dust and grime that has built up over summer
This “inside list” could go on forever, but for me these are the things that have the biggest impact in my fall cleaning.

And finally, don’t forget the birdies! The snowbirds who manage through winter are always appreciative of your hospitality
Gardman USA 0280019 Wild Bird Feeding KitMills Brothers Song Bird No Waste Food in Easy Pour & Store Container
What other tasks are included in your personal Fall Checklist?

Kid Emergency Kits

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Get prepped for summer by creating a “kid emergency kit” to keep in the car and keep you prepared with the essentials.

My son is almost 2 and over the past couple of years what we have in the kit has continually changed, but no matter the age – here are the basic items that you should have packed.

First start with a container that will be easy to put behin your seat or fit in the trunk. I try to keep it around the size of a large shoebox. Sterlite makes a good size that has a handle on it.

1 or 2 Small entertainment Sources

  • Books
  • Cars
  • Small Dolls
  • Puzzle game like a rubix cube
  • Travel size games

Snacks

  • Consider the temperature of your car – crackers and most cereal are appropriate for almost any weather – but jar, fruits, etc have limted shelf life and do not respond well to extreme condition
  • Cup/Bowl/Silverware/Straws (as they are age appropriate)

Extra clothes

  • Here in Ohio we can get all four seasons in the same week so I try to keep pants, shorts, long sleeve and short sleeve shirt in the kit. In the winter this is easier and I swap shorts/t-shirts for gloves and hat
  • Don’t foget to change these out as your child grows
  • If you can, keep an extra pair of socks/ tennis shoes or flip flips
  • Extra pair of underware for the potty trained ones
  • Hat/Sunglasses
  • Diapers/Pull-ups for the smaller ones
  • Swim suit / Swim Diapers

Sunscreen

Small First Aid Kit

Wipes

For babies, extra spit-up cloths and binkies

Blanket (As they get bigger the blanket usually stays outside the box)

They goal here is to cover the basics, but not have to haul half your house around to be prepared. This is an easy way to put your mind a rest and cover you on those days that you forget to put the replacement diapers in the diaper bag or leave your child’s sippy cup at home.

Please share your ideas and photos of your child emergency kit!

Get Organized: Christmas Decorations- Part 1: Lights and Garland

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Don’t be that neighbor…you know…the one who still has their holiday decorations up on Valentine’s day?

Instead use these tips and ideas to help you make the process of putting it all away a little less painless.

Brother PT1290 Home and Office Labeler
Ever wonder which strand of lights or garland went where the year before? Save the hassle and get out every organized mom’s best friend…the labeler. Mark each strand before taking it down and putting them away.

Creative and eco-friendly ways to keep light strings organized….
  • Paper Towel Tubes
  • Wrapping paper rolls
  • Large Metal Cans
  • Wide wooden dowel rods
  • Christmas shirt boxes (a great way to keep both gift boxes and lights organized!)
What other creative ideas do you have for storing lights?
Coming Up Next: Deconstructing the Tree

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

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I dearly love my hubby, but sometimes this girl has to take auto maintenance into her own hands.

Here is a checklist of auto maintenance that I try to go through each spring and fall…

  • Tires, if you have all season tires, check the tread, if not, consider purchases winter tires
  • Oil Change (if you are due for one)
  • Replace air filter (Annually or about every 15,000 miles)
  • Check:
    • Coolant
    • Brake Fluid
    • Power Steering Fluid
    • Windshield washer fluid (I use the kind with de-icer for winter)
  • Consider a coolant flush if your vehicle is past 75,000 miles and you have not had one
  • Around 75,000 it is also a good idea to get a a fuel system cleaning




Cleaning:
  • Pull out mats and sweep
  • Vaccum trunk
  • If you have leather interior treat it with cleaner protectant

DYSON Car Cleaning Kit, Attachments for Dyson Vacuum Cleaners
Dyson sells a kit with attachments designed for car cleaning

If you live up north like I do and Emergency Car Kit is a great idea…

  • AUTO EMERGENCY KITBlankets
  • Snacks
  • Extra gloves
  • Extra outfit for my son
  • Pair of snowboots
  • Emergency snow shovel
  • Cat litter/ice salt (in case you get stuck)
  • Can of De-Icer
  • Roadside assistance kit (or, at minimum, jumper cables)
Happy and Safe Travels to all!

Get Organized: The Fall Checklist

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Fall is here.  Which means Winter isn’t far behind.  Here is our Fall Checklist to help you get organized and prepped for everything winter brings.

The Fall Checklist

 

The Fall Checklist

This post contains affiliate links.

Once cold weather strikes, its no fun to drudge out into the cold unless you have to, so stock up on:

  • Pantry items (flour, sugar, butter, coffee)
  • Freezer items (Meats, cheese, frozen veggies/fruits)
  • Essentials (toilet paper and toothpaste)
  • Ramen Noodles (there are those days… usually about Sunday nights where a cheap bowl of Ramen just feels right)
  • If its been awhile since you have cleaned out the fridge… wait until its as empty as possible then throw out old condiments, unused ketchup/sauce packets and wiped the inside out.
  • Here is a more extensive list of staples you want to have on hand for winter (This list is general so if you are looking for gluten-free or vegan list… there are about 2 million of those on Pinterest.  I suggest you carve out about 2 days to get through all of those pins.)
Energy Efficiency:
  • Consider and air duct cleaning since the vents will get used more than they probably did over the summer
  • Change your furnace filter
  • Make sure screens are taken out and the exterior glass panes are put in in the windows and doors.
  • Invest in insulated energy-efficient curtains
The garage
  • Go through do a fall cleaning… get rid of old toys and items you no longer need.
  • Invest in some clear storage totes (You are more likely to stay organized if the boxes are clear)
  • Build or buy shelving if you do not have enough to store remaining items after a cleaning.
  • We invested in Rubbermaid fast track system to hold bikes, toys, beachchairs, strollers, etc and it saved us a ton of floor space by storing these items on the wall… and you can reconfigure the hooks in any order anytime you want to change things around.

Prepare for frozen precipitation:
  • Assuming that you already have a snow blower or at least a snow shovel you probably are already prepared for that but you may want to stock up on salt for ice and go ahead and put it in a container by your front or back or even both (We sometimes save the “shake” containers and refill them from a bigger bag which is much cheaper than buying melting ice in those small containers.  An old pitcher from your kitchen or dollar store is an easy solution too.  Then just keep the heavy bag in your garage and refill the containers as needed.
Inside the home:
  • Consider doing a fall cleaning room by room (take one each day) and go through drawers, containers, etc and get rid of broken things or things you may no longer need
  • If you also have the energy and time, you could also move furniture around in each room and sweep and wipe down floors/walls… you may want to at least do this for your main living areas if nothing else.
  • Turn mattresses – I do this when the time change takes effect – makes it easy to track
  • Check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Take comforters, heavy blankets to the dry cleaners or laundry-mat
  • Get our mittens, gloves, scarves etc and clean as needed then store in bins by the door.
  • Make sure everyone can fit into their snow boots/winter jackets from the previous year…
This “inside list” could go on forever, but for me these are the things that have the biggest impact in my fall cleaning.
And finally, don’t forget the birds! The snowbirds who manage through winter are always appreciative of your hospitality
 What other tasks are included in your personal Fall Checklist?