We hear this all the time: “I’d rather just do it myself so that it’s done right” or “It saves time if I just do it myself.” Both of these mindsets aren’t good for you or your kids. When children are little, they often want to help, but it’s a hassle. As they grow, they don’t want to help anymore, but it’s a hassle to enforce it. Teach your kids to clean now – it will help all of you down the road.
Try out these tips for establishing good habits in your kids:
- Set a Good Example: While we strongly believe in training your kids to complete daily chores, don’t put all the responsibilities on them. Show and tell by completing your chores before, or at the same time, as your kids.
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Take Time to Train: Don’t expect your kids to complete the chores correctly the first time if you haven’t explained and shown exactly how you’d like it done. Demonstrating first leaves little room for error and makes it more understandable if you ask them to re-do a task.
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Assign Bite-Sized Tasks: If a task is too daunting, your child will be more likely to rebel or not complete it properly. Assign large chores in small sections, rather than all at once.
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Offer Alternatives: Whenever possible let your child choose between two chores and you complete the other one. Or, give your child the option of doing the chore now or in an hour. Explain that completing it sooner means it’s done sooner.
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Turn on the Tunes: Make cleaning fun! Let your kids choose the station and blast it through the house while the whole family cleans.
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Don’t Expect Perfection: Monitor how well each child completes a task and expect it done just as well every time, but remember that it won’t be perfect. Be thankful for your child’s willing heart rather than a perfect shine.
Assign your kids these age-appropriate chores:
Toddlers
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Pick up toys and place in bin
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Help feed family pet
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Put small trashcan garbage into the main, kitchen trashcan
Elementary
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All of the above, plus:
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Keep their own room clean
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Sweep and vacuum the floors
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Take the dog outside
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Take trash to the road
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Put away laundry
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Load and unload the dishwasher
Teens
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All of the above, plus:
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Wash and fold laundry
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Clean out vacuum cleaners
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Help with lawn care – mowing and raking
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Make family meals
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Prepare grocery lists
We offered a few “starter” chores, but it’s up to you to determine what your child can handle. Teach your kids to clean now and it will make their adult like easier. We would love to hear the tricks you use to teach and encourage your children to clean. Share them with us on our Facebook page!
