Wednesday, July 20, 2011
How to Get Your Kids Enthusiastic About Helping You around the House
Are you doing ALL the work around the house this summer? Is it a challenge to get your kids to pitch in and help? If so, you are not alone!
The biggest reason why kids don't like to help around the house or do their chores is because "it's boring." They would rather do something that is fun. But come on...who doesn't? Children must learn that fun has to be balanced with responsibility. That is the reality of life especially when they grow into adults. By preparing them to help around the house now, you are not only spreading the workload you’re also preparing them for the future.
Here are tips to help you implement a chore routine into your household:
Make it FUN! Doing chores is usually considered the opposite of fun – so why not make it more enjoyable? Can you turn a chore into a game? There are lots of creative ways to do this. Click here for some suggestions that we liked. How about turning up the music and dancing while working?
Match the right chore to the right age. Choosing the right task for the right age is important to keep in mind. If it’s something too difficult, your child will likely get discouraged. As they get older, give them more responsibilities. Also start when they are young. Training them when they are little is only going to help you out more when they get older.
Don't punish with chores. Chores should be a regular part of life, not something that is used to punish children. If you turn chores into a punishment, it will only make them hate it even more.
Give them a choice. Allow your child to pick what chore they would like to do. Give them two or three options to choose from. That way they get a say, but they still have to participate. You still maintain control while allowing them an amount of freedom.
Clean as a family. Your child will feel less put out if they see everyone participating in a household chore instead of just them. Have a regular time during the day that everyone gets their own housework done.
Set expectations. Children need boundaries. When assigning the chore that you would like them to do, explain how to do, how long they have to get it done, and then the consequence if they do not follow through. By doing this, you can avoid nagging which is an irritant to children. Make sure to follow through with the consequence if they do not meet the expectation. If you do not, then your child will never take what you say about chores seriously.
Lots of praise. Everyone performs better when they are praised. Look for opportunities to praise your child's hard work. If the chore has been done incorrectly, don't criticize. Rather, commend them for their efforts and then kindly give them a suggestion for next time. Some parents have found that a reward system in addition to verbal praise works well.
If the chores seem to be adding up and you just can't keep a handle on them, consider hiring a housekeeper. If you live in the Silicon Valley our home concierge service can help you to find one that suits your needs. We want you to enjoy your summer with your loved ones. Contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation.
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