We can all relate to the stress of trying to encourage your kids to help with chores. Sometimes just the thought of asking your child to “clean their room” can cause a tantrum.
But, with the right strategies and mindset, chores can become a positive experience for both you and your child! Kids may need to be explicitly taught how to complete the chore or be positively encouraged in a way that will motivate them.
Who’s ready to inspire their kids to be productive contributors to the household?
Why chores?
Chores are a great way for children to learn new skills and provide opportunity to be a team-player. It also gives them additional responsibilities and helps them to grow independence.
But, most importantly, completing chores with your child is a nice way for you to have one-on-one time together!
5 strategies to positively encourage your child to do their chores
1. Give them a choice
Ask them “do you want to do the dishes or take the bins out?”
2. Make a schedule
Create a visual schedule showing them what tasks need to be done and when
3. Reward charts
Reward charts can be used to help motivate task completion and can be another visual way of reinforcing a behaviour. Make sure the reward is something meaningful for the child that they are excited to work towards earning.
Some ideas for rewards include:
- Choosing the next take-away meal
- Having a friend over
- Choose the movie to watch
- Breakfast in bed
- Make a cake
- Choose dessert
4. Family meetings
Have a family meeting to identify what chores need to be done
5. Make a roster
Create a family roster together. Remember if allocating chores, only provide tasks that are appropriate for your child’s age.
If you are unsure where to start, make a list of frequent tasks that need to be completed around the house and identify chores or parts of a chore that would suit your child’s level.