Around my house a cry of \u201cGo clean your room!\u201d is often met with heel-dragging and resistance. Even after I repeat the request, the job might get done in a half-hearted way. What\u2019s a mom to do?<\/p>\n
Maria Montessori said, \u201cPlay is the work of the child.\u201d She was right. When children go to school, their school work comes before play. Much like homework, adding chores to a child\u2019s life helps teach them responsibility and how to balance play and work. Of course, most children prefer to play, and may not be eager to empty the dishwasher or fold laundry! Getting kids to do chores may seem like more trouble than it\u2019s worth, but it pays off in the long run.<\/p>\n
The chore advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n Learning how to do chores:<\/p>\n How to get started<\/strong><\/p>\n Perhaps start with a family discussion about why they\u2019re being asked to pitch in<\/strong>. Kids are more likely to be willing helpers if they\u2019re included in the decision to do chores and which ones to do. Make a list of all of the chores or jobs it takes to keep your home running. This will be eye-opening for your kids \u2013 they probably have no idea how hard you work!<\/p>\n Break up the chores into daily, weekly, and monthly ones.<\/strong> Your children probably have enough on their plates every day as they juggle homework, after-school and weekend activities, and playtime. Consider assigning just a few daily expectations. For example, ask your kids to put their dirty clothes in the hamper, feed the pets, and clear the dinner dishes into the dishwasher every day.<\/p>\n For the weekly chores, try this idea:<\/p>\n More tips<\/strong><\/p>\n Choose appropriate chores for your child<\/strong>\u00a0for their maturity level, abilities, and character. Most parents have been in the habit of doing everything for their children for so long that they underestimate how much kids are capable of accomplishing. Most 7-year-olds can set the table or fold the laundry. An active child who likes to be outdoors may do better raking leaves or washing the car.<\/p>\n Allow for imperfection.<\/strong>\u00a0Try to ignore your desire to have things done as you would do them. At least in the beginning, accept that getting the work done is for the benefit of your child, even if they don\u2019t do it perfectly.<\/p>\n Involve your child in the choice of chores.<\/strong>\u00a0Give them a list of tasks that need to be done. Explain that some of the chores are mandatory (like making their bed and picking up their clothes), while they can choose the others.<\/p>\n Set clear expectations.<\/strong>\u00a0Agree on how often and when chores need to be completed. Create a chore chart to track when chores get done.<\/p>\n Take time to show and teach your child\u00a0what a chore involves<\/strong>. If they resist, do the chore with them at first. Supervise once or twice before having them do it on their own, and continue to provide positive feedback and reinforcement.<\/p>\n\n
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