job list for older kids

Lately my 10yr old son has been trying to bend the rules and con me into things.  Since the birth of my new baby my head is full of fluff and I forget things very quickly and I am not as quick to think as i used to be. 

I sat down at the computer the other day and wrote him out a list of rules and chores that he has to do on weekdays, weekends and school holidays. So now he knows exactly what he needs to do before he goes out to play, what times he is allowed to play and how long he is allowed to spend on the computer.  My house has been so much more peaceful since putting it up!  I put it on my fridge and every morning he goes to it like a check list before he plays.  This way Im not constantly nagging him "have you made your bed"  "Have you taken out the rubbish".  We were both getting so foul with each other every single morning, it was horrible.  

My son said to me this morning "I like my rule list mum, I know what i have to do everyday and I dont hardly get in trouble anymore"  Music to my ears.  Now, when ever there is a dispute over play times etc I tell him to look at the list.  Instead of me telling him he has to be home for lunch, when he goes out, he tells me "I'll be back at 12.30 mum"  It's made the school holidays so much easier and we are not at each others throats all the time.

I am now going to add to the list, "consequences" Eg.  Not putting used plate in dishwasher = half an hour less play time.  I came up with the time as punishment so that he can understand that when he doesnt pick up after himself it takes me time to do it for him, so instead of it costing me time (which he didnt care less about, it now costs him time)  I am a big believer in the punishment suiting the crime. 

I couldnt attach a copy of our "rules" but if anyone thinks this might work for them too, I am happy to email a copy.