Getting kids to do chores isn't as tricky as you think
if you instill a positive attitude about helping around
the house from an early age. Good role modeling
doesn't hurt either! Check out some of our helpful
tips below and see if getting your kids to do chores is
less of a chore!!
Use a chore chart to structure
chores and provide simple rewards. Stickers work
great as an incentive for younger kids. Check out our
free
printable chore charts!
Involve kids in work around the house
at a young age. With younger kids, you can make chores into a
game. For example, have a contest to see who can pick up the
most toys in the living room or make loading the dishwasher a
puzzle game. Instill a positive feeling early on about helping
around the house.
Role model good behavior. As kids get
older, they become frustrated with the "do as I say, not as I
do" approach. Pitch in and take a positive attitude when doing
your own work around the house. Have your kids help you with home
projects.
Kids will be more motivated when they see a positive example!
Give kids choice instead of assigning
chores. For example, write a list of chores down and each week
have the kids pick some out of a hat. Or, have the kids decide
among themselves who will do what chores each week. Help your
kids negotiate chores and encourage them to work together to get
chores done. Rotate chores so the work is divided evenly. Again,
a chore chart can be very helpful as a starting place to keep
track of chores.
Establish a reasonable time for chores
to be done. For example, "clean the table before bed or feed the
dog before school" works better than "feed the dog NOW". Again,
this approach will give your child some sense of control over
the chore.
Don't forget the most important
tip...praise, praise, praise. Catch your child being good,
praise the way in which she did the chore, or praise how your
children worked together to get their chores done.
Kids will be more motivated when they see a positive example!