Consequence Job List for Kids

A job list for a child is usually a list of chores that parents expect the child to complete daily or weekly. A consequence is a term used to help a child understand a punishment or other form of discipline in response to a direct action from the child. If a parent chooses, he can combine the two to create a job consequence chart in which the child must do extra chores as a consequence for breaking a rule.

  1. Appropriate Chores

    • Make sure the chores are appropriate for the child's age. Examples of age-appropriate chores are folding socks at 3, wiping the bathroom sink at 6, watering the garden at 9 and putting away groceries at 12.

    Chart or No Chart?

    • Using a chore chart depends on the parents' preferences. If the child is a visual learner or one who responds better to visual stimulus, a chart may be a good idea. Build a chart with pictures or written rules across the top, such as, "Do not pull the cat's tail." Along the side of the chart, line up appropriate chores for the child if the rule is broken, such as, "Wipe all household sinks." When a child breaks a rule, bring her to the chart and allow her to follow the broken rule to the punishment.

    Understanding Why

    • Children need to understand the "why" behind the rule and the consequence. If a child pulls the cat's tail, he may get hurt from the cat's claws and will also have to perform a chore he does not enjoy. Many children misunderstand or lack empathy as part of the natural growing process, so don't explain that it hurts the kitty. Instead, center the rules and consequences around the child.

    Talking Through Consequences

    • Talk to the child about the consequences and why she's performing the chore. After the chore is finished, ask her again why she had to perform the chore. Ask her whether she can think of alternatives for the behavior that led to the consequence. Helping children understand why they're in their current situation helps them think through future problems.

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