Kids are notorious for needing constant reminders to get things done.  From chores, to personal hygiene, to homework, parents spend hours each day just keeping their kids on track.  There has to be a better way!

Children are visual creatures, and a prominently placed chart can work wonders when trying to get kids to focus on tasks, goals and responsibilities. Even behaviors can be modified by using a simple chart.  Gone are the days when moms yell "Johnny, did you do your homework?" and dads bellow "Susie, where's your lunch box; we're running late!"  Instead of shooting constant verbal reminders, parents can introduce a simple chart to remind and challenge kids to perform. 

RELATED: Consider using this effective Responsibility & Reward Chart

You will find that the printable charts available on Kidpointz range from general behavior charts, to specific chores and rewards systems, and even charts for exercise.  We also welcome you to customize your own charts.  So, come on!  Tackle that messy room with a positive reinforcement tactic instead of punishment!

Popular charts for children in elementary school:

Behavior charts will work for kids of any age (really!), but they tend to be very well received by elementary-aged children. Why?  Because their little minds are still willing to accept change and challenges.  Charts initiate a feeling of a contest or a game into the mix, giving kids the motivation to change their behavior and work toward a goal.  Popular charts for kids in elementary school include:

• Behavior Charts - List an undesirable behavior to correct, or one to shoot for and watch the check marks accumulate as your child works to earn points.  Visual progress keeps things fun and interesting!
• Chore Charts - List one chore or more than one and check each one off as it is completed.  Kids earn check marks toward an allowance or other reward.
• Reward Charts - Reward charts are geared specifically toward earning something.  Next time  your child nags you for that video game, post a reward chart so he can earn it.
• Goal Charts - Great for helping your child reach a specific goal, goal charts help your child stay on the road toward a desired behavior, grade, or other goal.
• Reading Charts -- Got a kid who hates reading?  Motivate her with a reading chart.  Set up your chart by the book or by specific daily reading goals and you'll have a reader in no time.
• Exercise Charts - It's easy to flop on the couch and play a video game, but kids need more physical exercise.  Talk to your kids about the importance of exercise, set a reasonable goal, and fill in the chart.

All charts have a similar objective: to direct and motivate kids to be accountable and responsible for completing tasks on their own. Use the navigation bar on the left side of the Printable Charts section for more chart selections!

Here are some of the ways to use the charts in conjunction with Kidpointz' Online Points System.

Kidpointz chore charts are designed to work independently of, or in conjunction with, our Online Points System.  Especially for older youngsters, the combination of online system and visual chart can give them the push they need to modify behaviors and work toward goals.

• Reinforce Certain Behaviors -- Use charts to highlight a small subset of rules you are working on in Kidz Pointz. For example, you may have 10 rules set up, but your want your child to hone in on a few chores that she repeatedly forgets to do. Setting up a chore chart will help reinforce what needs to be done, and when. You may modify any rule to award points based on one week's successful completion of the chore chart.
• Set up an Manage Goals -- You can use charts to achieve weekly or monthly goal objectives (keep your room clean for a week or complete the weekly chores without being asked) and use a chart of specific tasks such as each chore that needs to be completed or specific aspects about cleaning their room (make the bed, pick up the toys, etc.).  Younger children respond best to weekly systems and older children, because they have longer attention spans, can be transitioned to a monthly system.
• Location -- Kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade won't mind behavior charts hanging on their walls. But as kids reach the 4th grade and beyond, they would probably rather avoid the embarrassment of having a chart hanging in their room when their friends come over. This is where the Points System is perfect because it lets you set up tasks and behaviors in a confidential setting accessible by only you and your child online and anyone else you authorize.

So go head and use the method that works best for your child: a chart, online points system, or a combination of both.

To print the charts, go to the Printable Charts tab and click on the navigation bar on the far left to filter your charts.  Click on the chart you like and select print this chart.  (Printing is free, but we ask that you register first.)