As many parents know it can be a nightmare trying to get your kids to help around the house. I cannot count the times I have heard ‘I am busy’, ‘I am tired’ or ‘I’ll do it later’. I know many parents who have experienced similar problems with getting their kids involved with chores so I have made a list of methods and ideas that could be helpful.

Start Early

If you start getting your kids involved with chores from an early age, they are less likely to resist with helping out as they get older. You could start when your child is at an age when they are able to understand basic words. Simple jobs like putting their toys away or putting their coats and shoes in the correct place can be a great place to start getting your child involved with chores.

Make It Fun

Making chores fun is essential if you want your kids involved with the chores. This can be achieved quite easily. Music can be a useful tool in adding fun to chores, dancing and singing whilst sweeping and hovering can make these chores fun. If you have younger children who enjoy using water guns, use a spray bottle filled with soapy water to clean windows. These are cheap as well as effective ideas.

Reward Charts

Reward charts can be an awesome tool no matter your kids’ age. For younger kids use a chart where they get a sticker for every completed chore, and when their chores are complete they get a reward. For older kids you can use reward charts to allow them to gain extra time for activities or later bedtimes at the weekend.

Reward charts can be a way for kids to earn pocket money. You decide how much each chore is worth and at the end of the week your kid is paid for their work. This is a great way to teach kids about responsibility and earning their own money.

Get Kids Cooking

Kids love being involved in whatever you are doing in the kitchen, especially if you’re baking or making their favourite food. By getting your kids involved with preparing meals you are not only allowing them to be creative and help with chores, you are also giving them invaluable life skills they can use throughout their lives.

Talk With Your Kids

If after trying different methods you are still having no luck try talking to your kids. Kids are intelligent and if you explain to them why you want their help you will normally find they are more willing to help. A good tip to remember is to never use chores as punishments as you will undo all the work you have accomplished. Always praise your kids when they have completed their chores. Your kids will respect you for acknowledging their hard work.