Motivating kids to do chores is like a juggling act that takes discipline, psychology, and sometimes hysterical screaming. Just be sure you get them to do their fair share. Chores teach children to be responsible and productive. It also makes the child feel important , and they can gain self esteem from a job well done.
Of course, as long as there have been chores, there have been kids that will not do them. They seem to know every trick, from procrastinating to just out right refusal. Here you will find that there are number of ways to get results.
Make expectations clear, by posting a job chart so everyone in the family knows what to do. That way, nobody can claim ignorance as an excuse. Use that chart to rotate chores regularly so that the kids do not become too bored or grow to hate a certain task.
Assign a deadline. Whether it is within the hour of bedtime, or even next week, be perfectly clear about when you expect your kids to finish their chores. Talk to younger children that are between the ages of six and eight, and tell them about how much time they will need to complete their task. Then check up on them halfway through to see how it is going. That way they will learn time-management as well as home-management skills.
Keep reminders simple. If you are sick of cajoling or constantly repeating yourself, just stop. Say only one word, such as trash or laundry. Or just do not say anything. Silently point to the schedule or leave sticky notes where they can see them, like on the computer or video game console.
Enforce consequences. If your child still does not do his job, take away something that is important to them, like permission to watch a favorite TV show. While it is a good idea to enforce consequences its also good to be flexible. If the child has a big exam or a sorting event coming up, they may need to cut back on their household obligations for a few days. That’s perfectly reasonable. You can also let the kids negotiate amongst themselves as to which jobs they will do.
Toddlers can do simple tasks such as putting toys away or stuffing dirty clothes in the hamper.Preschoolers like to play at cleaning along with you. Put socks on their hands and let them help you dust a table. Or get a child -size broom and let them help you sweep. By now picking up toys should be part of their routine. Elementary school children can make beds each morning, put clothes away, and set and clear the table. Ten year olds can help with vacuuming, sorting and folding laundry,raking,shoveling or other household tasks. By twelve most kids can completely take over many of these jobs and keep their own rooms tidy.
And most importantly set the example. It really does not look good telling your kids to keep things clean when your things are always out of order. Keep your own possessions organized as much and neatly as possible so your kids will have a good role model. If you don’t , they will call you on it eventually.
