How to Get Your Kids to do Chores

I am a firm believer that doing chores is a good thing for kids. Along with teaching them what goes into running a household and real world skills that they will need as an adult, it helps them build confidence. Can you imagine your child going away to college not knowing how to do laundry or wash a dish? They need to learn to do these things and your home is the best place for them to learn.

Don't worry that your child may not know how to do something. Learning is doing. I would suggest that you show them how to do a task taking it step by step the first time. Then watch them do it the next time around making suggestions as necessary. Then let them do it on their own. Try not to criticize them if they do it wrong. Make suggestions on the right way to do it and help them to do it correctly. They will get the hang of it soon. Remember, these are the children that can figure out all these complicated video games and can operate a computer better than you. I think they will get the hang of folding towels eventually.   

Here are some tips on getting your kids to help out around the house:

• Have your kids participate in what chores they are assigned to do. It helps if they enjoy doing a task. You will have to decide if two of them fight over a certain chore or even have them alternate each week on who gets to do it.
   
• Be specific with what the chores are. Don't say, “Clean your room”. Tell them to “make up their bed” or “put clothes away”.
   
• Keep a list visible with some type of reward system in place. Give each chore a deadline of when it should be completed. Also include a place to check off when the chore is completed so they will have some sense of accomplishment when it is completed.
   
• Praise them along the way for doing such a good job with their chores. Don't forget to do this. It really helps with their self esteem and makes them feel like they are a part of something.
   
• Ask them for help instead of insisting that they do something. They will be more likely to cooperate if they are asked. You will most likely still have to remind them to get their chores done. Be careful not to nag. Nobody likes to be nagged about doing something. Remind them that they can go outside and play after the towels get folded.

Remember, all kids are different. You may be able to get your 3 year old to do things that a 5 year old can do. It is really up to you and your child. These are just general guidelines.