Do you dread the idea of having to ask your kids to do chores? Do they whine and complain the whole time? Well, if this sounds like a common occurrence in your household, then it’s about time you find some creative ways to get them on board.
Here are 10 creative ways to have your kids begging for more chores!
Create a chore schedule that is realistic and achievable.
Start by having them do one or two chores, then gradually add more as they get older and are ready to take on more responsibilities.
Make chores into a game.
Assign points or rewards for completing different tasks. Let your child pick out what kind of reward they want when they complete an assigned chore, whether it’s playing video games or watching TV, riding a bike, etc.
Give positive feedback for even the smallest of efforts by saying things like, “I noticed that you picked up your toys when we got home today! Thank you!”
Let them pick out their favorite cleaning supplies and tools.
Letting them choose the supplies will make them feel more responsible and motivated to do a good job.
Give them their own basket or drawer to store things in. Having their very own space to store things helps kids feel more organized, encouraging them to be cleaner and tidier.
Ask for help when you need it.
They’ll be more willing to do anything if they know that you’re struggling too. Sometimes we can be so hard on ourselves and our kids that we forget to ask for help when it’s needed. When you’re having a tough day, let them know what you need their help with; if they see that mom or dad is struggling too, then they’ll want to step in and do whatever they can.
If you need your kids to help out with something, but they refuse, ask them to do it for someone else. When they perceive that everyone needs their help sometimes and are willing to pitch in during those times, then chances are they’ll be more likely to want to help around the house too.
Let your child help you make dinner one night a week.
They will feel like an essential part of the family. Have your kids help with grocery shopping, which will teach them about healthy eating habits and how to budget money.
Give them responsibility
Letting them decide which chores to do first, second, third, etc., or assign one task per day based on your child’s preferences will make them feel like they have control over what needs to be done and when which can help motivate your child. Simply asking their opinion on what the family needs will make your child feel like you value their opinion and appreciate them paying attention to the task at hand, contributing to a better attitude towards daily chores.
Have fun while you’re working together – sing songs, dance, play games, etc.
Research has shown that listening to music can help increase productivity when completing tasks such as housework or homework. So turn up the tunes and have fun with your kids while you clean!
Have one day per week where you only do chores together as a family so everyone can pitch in.
It will make it seem like less of a chore because they’re doing it with you and seeing that everyone in the family has to work together. It’s also a great way to bond with your family!
Give your children opportunities to be creative while they do chores.
Have them draw pictures on cups before washing them or write little messages on toilet paper rolls. Let them go wild and have fun with it.
Be consistent.
If your children know what to expect, they won’t be as likely to complain about doing chores. Do not let them skip days, or they will get behind and eventually stop helping out. Remember that your children are looking to you for guidance – if they see their parents doing chores, then they’ll be more likely to want to help as well. So set a good example!
Did you know?
- Chores not only help children learn responsibility and the value of money, but it also helps them build self-esteem? - Research has shown that children who engage in physical activity at home by doing chores such as vacuuming or sweeping are more active during playtime, decreasing obesity rates in kids! - According to studies, kids exposed to chores at an early age will tend to be more successful in school, have better social skills, and perform better on standardized tests.
List of Chores
Make getting your kids to do their chores a fun experience by incorporating these simple ways into your routine.
One or two of the following twenty ideas might work:
- Help out around the house.
- Make their beds in the morning so that there’s one less task to do at night before bedtime!
- Bring in the mail.
- Find the lost things around the house and put them back where they belong. (TV remote, Phone, etc.)
- Make a snack for themselves or someone else (like mom, dad, etc.).
- Put their dirty clothes in the hamper.
- Babysit younger siblings.
- Help unload groceries from shopping trips and sort items into appropriate cabinets, fridge compartments, etc.,
- Take out trash/recycling bins to the curb (teens)
- Water plants.
- Clean their rooms. Put away their toys and clothes properly after using them so you won’t have to pick them up later.
- Help clear the table and load the dishwasher after dinner (older kids can do this alone).
- Organize their bookshelf, toys box, drawers, and closet.
- Help with meal prep for dinner, which includes setting the table, and helping you cook. Help make lunches for the next day.
- Take care of pets, such as feeding or playing with a pet fish or cat, for 30 minutes daily.
- Put away clean laundry and fold it if necessary.
- Sweep or mop the hardwood floor or clean up spills/messes on the floor.
- Wash windows /mirrors.
- Help sort recycling from the garbage.
- Sweep or mop the floor, and vacuum if needed.
Conclusion.
There are so many different ways to make chores fun and motivating for your children. Incorporating even just a few of these ideas into your daily routine will make duties way less tedious for everyone involved.
Remember that chores are not just for kids. The entire family should pitch in to keep a household running smoothly! Kids don’t have to do everything; pick one or two of the list tasks. The ones that they’re more likely to do willingly. Or let them select the ones that they like the most! Be consistent, keep everyone on track, stay positive, don’t give up, and have fun!
What types of chores does your child do? How have you made doing these tasks fun or more interesting? Let me know in the comments section – I’d love to hear from you!
