When it comes to getting your kids to do chores there is no one “right” way. My philosophy is to do what works best for you. I am going to be presenting you with several methods of getting your kids to do their chores without nagging, threatening or even yelling. This first post is the method we currently use in our house but we have tried many ways over the years.
This is more or less the method we use in our house. Otherwise known as the 30 minute method, this is currently our preferred way to handle chores in our house. Since I tend to resent working while everyone is sitting doing nothing, this makes me happy and gets everything done in record time. Basically, when it is time to clean everyone pitches in until all of that day’s work is done. That usually doesn’t take more than 30 minutes. At first you may need to direct the children to what they need to do. For example, instead of saying pick up the toy room you would instruct your child to put all of the books on the shelf. When that was done you would ask your child to pick up all of the stuffed animals. You would be very specific about each job. After using this method for a while, the kids do the things they know how to do without needing a micro-manager.
It helps even more if you have two children working on the same chore. Who wants to do things by themselves? Since we don’t have another child old enough to help pick up toys I often help my six year old granddaughter pick up toys. We make a game of it and she decides how many items we each pick up and then we do it. Simple, but it works. Now, don’t forget to teach that you helped them so they should help you when you do something in return. You might have the same child you helped assist in putting the laundry in the hamper or help put away clutter. The whole idea is that everyone helps do what needs to be done.
It helps to do something fun after clean up is done to enforce the idea that it really is better if you all help. Something simple like playing a board game or throwing a Frisbee outside for fifteen minutes can really mean a lot and help your family bond. This teaches that if we all work together to accomplish what needs to be done, we have more time to enjoy life. This is not payment for the chores, it is simply the outcome of getting everything done. We don’t do this every time, but it is nice for everyone when we can fit in some play time.
You have no doubt heard of the saying “Many hands make light work.” by John Heyword. This is so true and if you set aside chore time every day, you can accomplish a lot in a short time as long as everyone helps.
Stay tuned for other popular methods involving routines, chore charts, popsicle sticks and more.
What works for you?
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