What’s the Best Way to Encourage Your Kids to Do Chores?

Getting kids to help around the house can often feel like an uphill battle. But chores are about more than just keeping a clean home—they teach children responsibility, teamwork, and valuable life skills. So, how can you make this process less of a struggle and more of a bonding experience? Here’s my mum-to-mum guide to encourage your kids to do chores without the tantrums (well, maybe just a few less!).

1. Start Them Young

It’s never too early to introduce your little ones to the concept of helping out. Toddlers can begin with simple tasks like putting toys in a bin or wiping small spills. Starting young builds a foundation and sets the expectation that everyone contributes to keeping the home in order.

Pro Tip: Use fun, easy-to-remember phrases like “Teamwork makes the dream work!”

2. Make Chores Fun

Let’s face it—chores aren’t the most exciting part of the day. But you can change that! Turn on some upbeat music, turn folding laundry into a game, or set a timer to see how fast your kids can complete a task.

Idea: Create a “Chore Challenge” where they can earn points for each completed task, redeemable for small rewards like stickers or extra playtime.

3. Lead by Example

Kids are great imitators, so when they see you working hard to keep the house in order, they’re more likely to follow suit. Narrate what you’re doing and why it’s important.

Example: “I’m wiping the table so it’s nice and clean for dinner—would you like to help?”

4. Explain the Why Behind Chores

Instead of saying, “Because I said so,” take a moment to explain why chores matter. Help them understand that it’s not about punishment but about being part of a team and taking care of the space they live in.

Talking Point: “When we all help out, we have more time to play together!”

5. Tailor Chores to Their Age

Make sure the tasks you assign are age-appropriate. Younger kids thrive on simpler jobs like sorting socks, while older ones can handle more responsibility, like unloading the dishwasher or vacuuming.

Quick Guide:

• Toddlers (2-4 years): Pick up toys, water plants.
• Preschoolers (4-6 years): Set the table, help feed pets.
• School-age (6-10 years): Take out the trash, fold laundry.
• Tweens/Teens (11+ years): Clean bathrooms, cook simple meals.

6. Create a Chore Chart

Kids love visuals! A colorful chore chart can outline tasks for the week and give them a sense of accomplishment when they tick off their completed chores.

Bonus Idea: Add a “family reward” at the end of the week, like a movie night, if everyone completes their tasks.

7. Give Choices

Offering a choice between chores empowers your kids and makes them feel in control.

Example: “Would you like to dust the shelves or sweep the floor today?”

8. Praise and Celebrate

Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Make sure to praise their efforts, not just the results.

Say This: “You did such a great job organizing your books! I’m so proud of you.”

Avoid: Focusing on what they missed or could have done better.

9. Be Consistent

Consistency is key to building habits. Set a regular schedule for chores and stick to it. Kids thrive on routine and knowing what’s expected of them.

10. Avoid Overloading Them

While it’s important to involve kids in chores, remember they’re still kids. Don’t overwhelm them with too many tasks or expect perfection. Balance is crucial.

11. Make It a Family Affair

Turn chores into family time by working together. When everyone pitches in, it creates a sense of teamwork and makes the process faster and more enjoyable.

Example: On Saturday mornings, everyone spends 30 minutes tidying up together.

12. Teach Skills Gradually

Don’t assume your kids know how to do everything. Take the time to teach them the proper way to complete tasks.

Example: Show them how to fold a shirt step by step, then let them practice.

13. Introduce Rewards (With Caution)

While rewards can motivate kids, be careful not to turn chores into a “payment system.” Focus on intrinsic motivation, like the pride of a clean space, while using rewards as occasional incentives.

Reward Ideas:

• Extra bedtime stories
• A trip to the park
• Choosing the family dinner menu

14. Be Patient

Remember, habits take time to develop. Be patient and consistent, even when things don’t go perfectly.

15. Share Personal Stories

Kids love hearing about when you were little! Share how you helped your parents with chores and what you learned from it.

Final Thoughts

Getting your kids to do chores is about more than keeping the house tidy—it’s about teaching them responsibility, teamwork, and independence. With a little creativity and a lot of patience, you can turn chore time into a positive and rewarding experience for the whole family.

What’s your go-to strategy for getting kids involved in chores? Let’s chat in the comments below!