Clean things off the floors, empty the bins, and put the dishes away.
To some, it might sound like a lot, but these are just some of the simple chores kids can help with around the house. The tricky part might be just getting them to jump on board.
“I don’t want to”, “That’s not my job”, or even “Do I have to?” are quite common sayings in our house alone and I’m not asking for much! But the reason kids don’t like doing chores is the same reason adults don’t like doing chores: household tasks are pretty much the most boring thing you have to do.
Making Chores Fun and Manageable
So, how can you get kids to help with chores around the house so everyone can have some fun?
- Age-appropriate chores: Assign tasks that are suitable for your child’s age and development level. You can’t expect a 16-year-old and a nine-year-old to do the same things.
- Offer choices: Give kids the opportunity to have some control by offering a few options for chores they can choose from. Better yet, see if they can come up with some ideas themselves. Discuss which tasks they prefer and how often they should be done. This also gives them a sense of ownership.
- Set clear expectations: Clearly outline what chores need doing and when. Having a visual chore chart can help them remember their responsibilities.
- Make it a positive experience: Praise and acknowledge your child’s efforts when they complete their chores. Even if it’s not quite how you want it done, at least they have tried.
- Break down tasks: For younger children, divide larger chores into smaller, manageable steps or get siblings to help each other to get the bigger job done.
- Make it a routine: We all know how well kids thrive on routine, so try to establish a regular schedule for chores and pick certain days/times each week to get things done.
- Consider giving rewards: This will depend on the age of your children. Some might be happy with stickers or treats, but older kids will likely be looking for money. Ensure the reward matches the completed job.
- Lead by example: If you want your kids to get the jobs done, at least show them you can do it too!
And last, but certainly not least…
- Have some fun! Bring games or challenges into the mix to make them more interested in getting the job done.
Above all else, good luck! You probably need it.
Read more stories from The Caboolture Guide print magazine here:
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Caboolture Connect: Updates from the Community
- Shining a Light on Local Women
- Be Part of the Fleetwood Mac Experience
- The Caboolture Railway: A Journey Through Time
- Get Your Game Face On For Monster Siege
- Local Scouts Make a Splash
- Urban Country Music Festival ‘Reboot’ Brings Reconnection
- Podcast Review: If Books Could Kill
- Spit Movie Review and Interview
- Scientific Spectacle Returns to Brisbane with Stellar Events
