For most parents, chore time is a real hassle. However, there are a few ways that can be made much easier. Here are a few tips that will keep things simple and far less difficult than they have to be.
- Make a chore chart. Chore charts are a fun way to organize your family’s duties. There are a plethora of printables available online for free.
- Keep it simple. If your kids are young, between the ages of two and seven about, keep their chores simple. Kids this young should start doing personal chores like dressing themselves (with a little help), picking up their own toys, helping to make the bed, combing their hair, brushing their teeth, etc.
- Doing it for the family. Once your kids are older, they should start participating in family chores along with their personal chores. These family chores could include sorting through laundry, mopping and sweeping the floor, vacuuming the carpet, emptying the trash can, washing the dishes, raking the leaves, changing the lightbulbs, and whatever else needs to done around the house.
- Make it into a game. Chores don’t have to be boring, they can be fun! Organizing their closet can be a puzzle, sweeping the kitchen can be like Cinderella, and laundry can be a game of basketball. Get something done and have a great time while doing it.
- Consider giving them an allowance. Allowances, of course, are not a required element of your child’s chores. In fact, some parents would even argue that an allowance will give your child the wrong incentive. However, if done appropriately, your child’s allowance can teach them the value of manual labor and give them some pocket money to buy what they would like.
- Create a rewards system. Rewards systems make chores a little more fun. By rewarding your child for their hard work, you teach them that work is worth the doing. Reward systems can have different twists to them, like A Mom’s Take pirate-themed rewards system, found here: POT OF GOLD TREASURE BOX CHORES REWARD SYSTEM, or this princess-themed rewards system on Etsy: Printable Princess Chart + Chores + Behavior + Routine
- Consider your child’s responsibility. Chores aren’t only important because they help keep the house clean, they are also important because they teach your child responsibility, but for themselves and for their environment. Plan their chores with this in mind.
- Be firm, but flexible. There are certain chores your child might not feel comfortable doing, and this is perfectly fine as long as they are willing to do something. Ask them what they are willing to do given their schedule and experience. Once everything is agreed upon, be firm and make sure they stick to it.
Through everything, remember what is most important: your family and your child.
