Getting your kids to help around the house

Whether you have young children or teens, by the time they are two years old they are capable of doing chores around the house. Since most family members are home 24/7 during the pandemic, it’s important every one pulls their own weight. 

Betsy Braun, author of You’re Not the Boss of Me, agrees. “Chores build the child’s sense of responsibility as well as a sense of value to the family.” Though your child’s homework is top priority, they need to know they are also responsible for the well-being of their home.

To ensure every child does his or her job in keeping their home clean, plan a list of chores you want accomplished. For example, throwing out the trash, recycling newspapers, dusting furniture, or vacuuming the rugs. Keeping their rooms cleaned and beds made is a daily routine they should maintain. Then have your children select those tasks they feel comfortable doing, or write the tasks on folded paper as each child selects that month’s assignment. Just make sure the tasks are age appropriate (see below).

I’m sure kids will complain, however, let your sons and daughters know that when they become adults, they will be responsible for house chores as well as holding down a full-time job. You are simply preparing them for their future. (By the way, if their father is in their lives, he should be modeling this behavior.) 

Finally, expect all chores to be done, but be reasonable. Patients and praise work miracles. Point out excellent work while joke about jobs that didn’t meet your expectations. Never give in to shoddy work by doing it yourself. Excellent work can be rewarded with a weekly allowance, which should be withheld if a job is hastily done.

When I was six-years old I remember sweeping the hardwood floors, my twin brother was dusting, and my older brother was sweeping the stairs. A neighbor knocked on the door and was shocked to see three young boys working. My father, who was supervising, saw the expression on her face and amplified the event by whipping out a belt and yelling, “Faster, faster!” My brothers and I laughed as the woman ran from our home, probably ready to report my father to social services. While growing up I learned to vacuum, dust, clean bathrooms, and of course, keep my room clean. Today, I am fully capable of keeping a clean home, cooking, and washing and drying my clothes. Thank you, Mom and Dad. 

How can you motivate young children and teens to do the assigned work? I strongly suggest you create a job chart. This is one way for you to manage chores completed. For every task finished, attribute points. Remember, quality counts. Points can equal cash or prizes. 

Here’s another suggestion. Visit OrganizingMoms.com. It will give ideas to implement routines and maintain consistency so that your family works together and keeps their home running efficiently. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children who do chores may exhibit higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and be better equipped to deal with frustration, adversity, and delayed gratification. These skills can lead to greater success in school, work, and relationships.” 

Here’s an idea as to what your kids can do at the age they are at now: 

• 2 to 3-year-olds can put toys and groceries away and dress themselves with help.
• 4 to 5-year-olds can help feed pets, make their beds (maybe not perfectly), and help clear the table after dinner.
• 6 to 7-year-olds can wipe tables and counters, put laundry away, and sweep floors.
• 7 to 9-year-olds can load and unload the dishwasher, help with meal preparation, and pack their own lunch for school.
• 10 to 11-year-olds can change their sheets, clean the kitchen or bathrooms, and do yard work.
• Those 12 and above can wash the car and help out with younger siblings. Teens can help with grocery shopping and running errands.

Even after the pandemic is over, make sure your kids continue with their jobs. The skills learned will definitely help them out in life after they vacate your home. 

Michael Thal is the author of Goodbye Tchaikovsky, a novel about deafness.