Do your kids help out around the house? Enlisting your kids to help with some household chores not only encourages a sense of responsibility, but also a sense of pride in their living space. At some point in our lives, we are going to have to wash a dish and vacuum a rug, so why not start young?
These tricks will help encourage your kids to perform these household chores.
1. Chores are non-negotiable
Nobody looks forward to chores but they are one of those mundane must-do of life. Allowing your children to forfeit doing their chores will not do them any favours in the long run. There may be some whining but the chores must be done. Stand your ground on this and make sure that your expectations are age-appropriate.
2. Do chores together
Chores can be used as bonding time with your kids. Instead of parking in front of the television while your child does the dishes, do some housework yourself during this time to bring across the feeling of a team effort.
3. Make chores pleasant
Always maintain a positive attitude when completing chores with your children. You can enhance this pleasant atmosphere by playing your child’s favourite songs when going about housework.
“Chores should be seen as a positive contribution to a happy household.”
4. Do not make chores a punishment
Using chores as a means of punishment will only fuel any negative attitude toward them. Instead, chores should be seen as a positive contribution to a happy household.
5. Reward cards and star charts
You could use a star chart and give your child a gold star each time they complete a chore. Once they reach a certain number of stars, they could get a small reward, such as a bowl of ice-cream (don’t make these rewards too extravagant. Life doesn’t reward us for housekeeping). Similarly, you could use a punch card system whereby you punch a hole in a card to mark a chore as complete. Once the card is full, they receive a reward.
6. Let them make mistakes
Remember, your kids are still learning. They will make mistakes as they go along and this is okay. The key is to gently guide them rather than make them feel like they cannot complete the task. Be tactful with feedback and continue to encourage them.
Getting your children to complete their chores may bring on the grey hairs, but perseverance and a positive attitude will go a long way in getting children to help around the house and empower them to run their own households one day.
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