I’m sure we’ve all heard (and perhaps tried) the usual methods for getting kids to help out around the house: bribery and/or consequences for not participating.
They might work in the short-term, but kids are generally only doing what they’re told to get a treat or to avoid punishment. So how do you get your kids to WANT to do chores?
I don’t like doing chores, so why would I expect a kid to want to do them either?
Regardless, the house must be cleaned and laundry must be washed! As well all know, laundry waits for no one…
My oldest is about to turn seven, so she is definitely at the age where she can contribute! The key I found was making work time a special event just for the two of us. When the baby goes down for a nap we have our daily “Chore Party.”
What exactly is a “Chore Party?”
Our Chore Party involves playing music (though not loud enough to wake the baby), dancing, and teamwork (“I’ll sweep and you mop!”)
Each day I teach my daughter a new “grown-up” skill (cleaning a toilet) or show her a new area of the house she had never considered might get dirty (kitchen cabinets).
When kids feel like they are getting extra attention and being entrusted with special responsibilities, they are usually very receptive and enthusiastic. We hadn’t even finished yesterday’s tasks when my daughter was already planning today’s list!
I have to admit that it’s a LOT more fun to do my housework with someone else, even if it takes a little longer to teach and demonstrate as we go along. Time flew by and before I knew it the entire kitchen was spotless and the baby was calling for us to get her out of her crib!
The “Chore Party” is now a part of our daily routine! If you’re looking for a way to get your kids to want to do chores, consider giving it a try. Spending quality time together while getting a lot accomplished is definitely a win-win!
Related Reading:
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4 Things I Do Every Night to Make my House Look Clean in Minutes
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lerikoen says
This is such great advice. My daughter is 6 now, and I want her to start helping out more – and this seems like the perfect way to get her to enjoy her chores. She will also love the extra attention, since her baby brother arrived she’s felt a little left out.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Yes exactly! 🙂 My daughter feels important because she can help and do things the littlest one can’t.