This content uses referral links. Read our Disclosure Statement for more info.

7 Ways To Get Your Kids To Do Their Chores!



I've written before about my children during chores in my home, but it's such an important topic I wanted to give some more tips.  I won't say it's easy, but my husband and I are trying to make it second nature for our kids. We want them to understand that having chores is just a part of being a family.  We all need to help out in the house, and as a family, we can keep the house clean.  I have created a list of different ways you can help acheive this goal.

Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC


DON'T LET THEM GET USED TO THE MESS - If your house is always a mess, it's nothing new to them.  Children learn the habits of us, the parents.  So if we don't care that they house is a mess, then why should they?  Instead, let them get used to a clean house.  Believe me, they will tell you if a room is starting to stink, or there are too many toys all around.  If they are used to a clean house, they will not like it when it starts to get messy, and they will be more likely to help clean.

CLEAN WITH THEM- If you are asking them to do chores, but you are sitting on the couch playing on your phone or computer, you better believe that they are going to call you on it.  They are much more likely to clean if they think they are actually HELPING you, and not just doing it FOR you.  Whenever my kids are doing their chores, I make sure that I am up doing something as well.  Showing them that we are all in this together, and if we work as a family, we will get more done.

Related Article: Chores for a 5 Year Old

STRUCTURE - Just like in school, kids thrive on structured days.  Yes, they may like to just sit around in the summer and do nothing, but if that nothing is part of a structure they'll do better.  Kids like to know what to expect, and it makes them feel safe.  Putting chores in a daily routine helps because they know what to expect.  My kids know that when they wake up they make their beds.  Then they come down and my girls each have 2 things that need to be done everyday.  My oldest has to sweep, and clean up the front two rooms (toys, bags, etc.).  My middle child has to make sure all shoes are put away, and then wipes down either the lower cabinets, or she picks a wall in the house to wipe down.  Later in the day I may have more for them, but right now, this is what they do.  It's not a surprise to them when they first wake up, they know it's expected, so they do it without a fuss (usually).

CHORE CHARTS - You can find lots of different chore charts on ETSY or even google!  Kids work well when they have a visual, and sometimes just saying "Do your chores", confuses them.  Having a chore chart, where they can see the actual chores, and be able to physically check off, will eliminate confusion and, therefore, fighting.

EARLIER IS BETTER - Having your children do their chores earlier in the day usually is best.  In the morning, they are fully rested.  If you ask them to do it later in the day, they will most likely be more tired and you may already be out and about with your planned day.  Doing it in the morning helps because they can get it done and over with so they still have the rest of the day.  Also you can use it as a bargaining chip for the rest of the day.

MAKE IT FUN - I try to make if fun by blasting the music.  We'll dance around, sing and act silly.  They are still doing the chores, but having fun with it.  Some other ideas are timing them to see if they can do it in a certain amount of time, or beat a previous time.  I suggest only doing this with things that don't require quality control like sweeping.  You can also make it a scavenger hunt, listing things that they need to find to pick up (piece of trash, dirty clothes, emptied trashcan, etc), play follow the leader, or create a silly song together about the current chore.

CHORE PUNCH CARD - There are some really cute punch cards on ETSY.  For every chore, or every day that chores were completed without being told, you can "punch" the child's card.  You can talk with your child beforehand what they think the reward should be.  You need to include them in this decision, or else they may not think it's worth it, and therefore it's not a very good incentive!  You can make it simple as, get an extra story at bed time, a treat when we go to the grocery store, or even $$.  Whatever the reward, just make sure you let your children in on the decision making!

What ways do you get your kids to do their chores?  I'd love to hear in the comments below!

Comments

  1. So many great ideas! It's harder with just one kiddo to schedule chore-time especially when we are all so busy. I work from home which is wonderful - but I feel awful asking her to do house chores when I'm working from the office.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as you make it a regular thing, it won't be as hard as you think. It doesn't have to take forever either. Just take the 5 minutes you are getting her breakfast ready and have her clean up shoes/toys, or help wipe down tables. I think as long as their helping out some, it doesn't matter how long it is.

      Delete
  2. I always cleaned with my little one. She used to have her own vacuum and everything! And you know what? At 13 she still does her chores. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome. My (now) 5 year old ask for a broom from Santa last year! LOL

      Delete
  3. i need to try this with my husband hehe!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have had success in the past with Chore charts. Stickers for completed chores help to make it fun.

    ReplyDelete
  5. These are such good tips! I find my eldest toddler loves to tidy as long as there's someone there helping him, often that's the easiest and quickest way to get toys tidied, if you sit down next to him :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! At such a young age they need to be coached. You can't just expect them to know how to clean without sitting with them.

      Delete
  6. My kids have done chores since the were tiny. Make it a game from a young age and they will learn that it a part of every day life. My older kids now get pocket money as a reward. Great tips that parents will absolutely find handy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love chore charts!! My kids have their own and they work so well. Kids are never too young to start learning to take care of their belongings and contribute to the home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome! I agree, they are never too young. Our now two and a half year old has been cleaning up his toys for a while now. He also loves to find trash and throw it away!

      Delete
  8. These are all great ways to have your kids clean up. I know Barney was my best friend when my daughter was growing up. We used to sing the clean up song. Memories.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is nice to inculcate the habit of doing chores in them at a very young age.They will learn to function independently and efficiently as adults

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment