How to Get Children to do Household Chores
Help Your Kids With Age Appropriate Jobs Around the House
May 31, 2009
As the lazy days of summer arrive, come up with a plan to stave off the inevitable "I'm bored" statements that will soon follow. Household chores are a great way for kids to help around the house
Allowance or Not?
Should you pay your children to do jobs around the house. On one side is the idea that children should help out simply because they are members of the household. On the other side, is the thought that giving children money for a job well done teaches them about the real world. Whatever you decide, some type of compensation for chores may be a great motivator.
If money is the compensation of choice, one dollar per year of age is a general formula. Other types of compensation may be tickets for children to save and earn privileges. Talk to your child and give them a say in what they'll get for a job well-done. One size may not fit all so help your kids find out what fits them best. Don't forget that a simple “thank you” from mom or dad is always welcome compensation.
Get the Kids Involved
Sit down with your children and brainstorm a list of household chores that may be appropriate for their age and ability. Think big. Even young children can help with tasks such as unloading the dishwasher and feeding the family pet. Tweens can do their own laundry and manage some outdoor jobs. Summertime is the perfect opportunity for parents to help children reach and learn something new. Being in charge of a “grown-up" job makes children feel, well, more grown up.
Chore Charts
Make up a list of agreed upon chores. You can make your own or use a printable one from DLTK. Cover the chart with clear contact paper and use a dry erase marker for a wipe-off chart that can be used all summer long.
Teaching Life Skills
Chores shouldn't be presented as work. This is an opportunity to teach valuable skills children will need as they grow up. Incorporate household tasks as part of the daily routine of home life – just as brushing teeth is a daily task. Allow opportunity for children to earn extra compensation for one-time larger jobs like cleaning out the garage or painting the shed.
Be sure that expectations are realistic. A six-year- old may be able to unload the dishwasher, but that may mean stacking the clean dishes on a counter rather than putting them away in cabinets. Also, avoid being critical of your child's effort. Maybe the bed's not made the way you would have made it, but focus on the outcome – the bed is made!
Summertime chores are the perfect union between soon-to-be-bored children and their overworked, overstressed parents. Help yourself while teaching children how to take some responsibility and learn respect for their home.
