A household chore list that includes everyone's names, even Mom and Dad, is a good way to illustrate the team approach to caring for the home. Families live together in the home, so as early as possible in children's lives everyone should understand the responsibility of working together to keep the home in order.
Set a Schedule
Organization of chores is a key to getting them done. When everyone understands his or her role during the week, there is higher chance of successfully completing all the chores. Also, assigning chore assignments weekly, as long as it makes age-appropriate sense, can give kids a chance to feel empowered to choose at the start of each week. Letting the kids choose their chores helps them buy into the assignment and feel responsible for their role.
Making a Household Chore List Work
Do you want to stop nagging your kids to get their chores done? Be sure to give positive reinforcement and express thanks when the job gets done right without your nagging. A family incentive for a completed list at the end of the week could be a good motivator. It doesn't have to be something expensive; a fun family game night with chocolate-drizzled popcorn is a great reward.
Does your family chore list elicit bad attitudes? Spruce it up with some color, and let the kids draw pictures of the chores on the list. Make the list look friendly and appealing. Let the kids have a special sticker when their chore is complete, to mark their chore as done for the day. Marking the chore as completed instills a sense of pride. Have a good attitude and your kids will follow suit. Be especially proud when the chores get done. High fives and hugs are great for making everyone feel appreciated.
Involving the Whole Family
Age-appropriate chores are important, and even toddlers can pitch in. Picking up toys, dusting (put socks over hands and wipe) and being a "helper" are all good places to start. Save vacuuming and mopping for older kids who can do a good job. You don't want to redo their work, because that's more work for you!
Be a good example and let the kids see you do your chores. Try designating a "chore hour" after dinner, when everyone works their chores at the same time. Put on some good music and get the household chore list done.
If you're having trouble motivating your kids to finish chores, punishment and nagging may not be the best solution. Instead, set a special family reward that everyone wins when the list is completed. When the family works together to achieve a reward, motivation increases.
Do allow a little leeway for unforeseen circumstances, such as a big test coming up or a sudden case of the flu. Missing a day and catching up the next day is not a reason to penalize.
 | Household chores for kids can help encourage responsibility, independence and confidence, build self-esteem and help a child feel like a valuable member of the family. |
 | Family chore charts empower children by showing them the important role they play in maintaining a home. This can make it easier to get those chores done. |
If parents expect kids to pitch in with chores, they instill good values about work and responsibility. In fact, maybe letting your toddler make a sandwich or fold socks is the first building block of a better world. |
It is extremely important that we teach our children personal responsibility. After all, we want them to understand, fully and completely, that they are an important and productive part of the family system. |
A chore chart for kids is a great idea. It helps them to visualize what needs to be done, as well as what their job is. It can also help them to feel like an important contributor to the family. |
