No one likes doing chores, but they have to be done. Teaching your children the importance of pitching in around the house is a valuable life lesson that will serve them well as they grow up and move out on their own. But getting them to do the chores can be another story entirely! Sometimes, it can feel like pulling teeth. Try some of these tips if you’re having trouble getting your kids to help out around the house.
Talk about the importance of chores
One of the best ways to encourage kids to help around the house is to talk to them about the importance of chores. Help them understand that chores are not just about keeping the house tidy but also about contributing to the family and taking care of our belongings.
You can also explain that everyone in the family has different chores they are responsible for and that we can make things run more smoothly by pitching in and doing our part. Finally, be sure to praise your child when they do help out around the house. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging kids to keep pitching in.
Ask why they don’t want to help
Sometimes, there is a specific reason why a child won’t want to do a particular chore. If this is the case, it can be helpful to discuss why they don’t want to do it. Is it because they don’t know how? Or is it because they think it’s too hard?
For example, cold water is often why kids don’t want to do the dishes. If this is the case, consider installing a water heating system. It would be ideal to install a tankless water heater than other types because tankless water heaters only heat the water when you need it, so you’re not wasting energy heating water that’s just going to sit in a tank. Plus, warm water can make doing the dishes a lot more bearable for kids.
Make a chore chart
One way to encourage kids to help with household chores is to make a chore chart. This can be as simple as a piece of paper with the weekly tasks listed, or you can get more creative and use stickers or markers to divide the tasks. You can involve your kids in the process by letting them help choose which tasks they want to do. Once the chart is complete, hang it up in a visible spot and refer to it when assigning chores. You can also use it to reward kids for their efforts by giving them a sticker or mark on the chart when they complete a task. By involving kids in the process and making it fun, you can help turn household chores into an opportunity for learning and bonding.
Make it fun
You can do some things to make chores more fun for kids and help them develop a sense of responsibility. One way to make chores more fun is to turn them into games. For example, you can have a race to see who can pick up the most toys in the living room. You can also make a game out of dusting by seeing who can dust the most surfaces in a certain amount of time.
Mix it up
Don’t let your kids get bored with their chores by doing the same thing every week. Suppose you’ve been stuck in a rut, with the same old chores assigned to the same family members daily. In that case, it’s no wonder that everyone is feeling resentful. Why not mix things up a bit? Put a new spin on old chores by changing who does them, when they’re done, or how they’re done. For example, if your daughter always has to vacuum the living room, why not let her try mopping the floor instead? Or, if your son is used to taking out the trash, see if he’s willing to help fold laundry instead.
Offer incentives
Use positive reinforcement to encourage your kids to do their chores without complaint. Offer rewards for tasks completed quickly and without fussing – like an extra half hour of screen time or an extra bedtime story. Just be sure not to offer too many rewards, or they’ll start expecting something every time they help out!
The bottom line
Doing household chores is no one’s idea of fun, but they’re a necessary part of life. Teaching your children how to pitch in and help around the house is a valuable lesson that will serve them well as they grow up and move out on their own someday. By following these tips, you can make chore time more bearable for everyone involved!
