Help at Home: The 40 Best Tips to Encourage your Kids to help in Household Chores

Encouraging  children to help at home is one of the most important commitments we have as parents. Educating kids in this regard will make them develop a series of skills that will allow them to function properly in the future.  Learning to cook, clean and manage their time are skills that will make our children competent and self-sufficient adults. In addition, we are teaching them to be responsible and contribute to the well-being of all household members.

  On the other hand, by doing the tasks with children in a fun and enjoyable  way, will teach them to work as a team, and the importance of cooperation and collaboration; at the same time it will strengthen their sense of belonging to the family.

 By learning to take care of themselves and their surroundings, children are better prepared for adulthood and independent living.

 Here are the best 40 ways to encourage children to help at home:

  1. Start early: 

 Involve your children in household chores from a young age. When children are given age-appropriate tasks, they learn that they are capable of contributing to the household and taking care of themselves.

  2. Be a role model:

 If you want your children to help, show them that you’re willing to pitch in too.  Children learn by example, so when your children see you engaging in these habits, they’re more likely to adopt them too.

3. Be specific:

Give clear instructions on what needs to be done. Communication is vital, and it’s essential to communicate effectively with your child. Be clear and concise on your instructions. 

 4. Make it fun:

  Turn chores into games or competitions to make them more enjoyable. Make a list of items to find and clean throughout your home. For example, “Clean the kitchen sink”, “Dust the bookshelf”, “Vacuum the living room rug”, etc. You can even make it a game and offer a small prize for completing the list.  With a little creativity and effort, you can turn it into a fun and rewarding experience.

5. Provide incentives:

Offer rewards for completing chores. Incentives can create a powerful motivation for Children to help at home and create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

 6. Use positive reinforcement: 

 Praise and acknowledge your children’s efforts and progress. It can boost their self-esteem and help them develop a positive self-image, and  encourages them to continue trying. When children receive positive feedback for their efforts and progress, it can encourage them to continue trying and working hard towards their goals.

 7. Assign age-appropriate tasks:

 Tasks should be appropriate to your child’s age and abilities. It’s important to note that the chores given to children should be age-appropriate and not too difficult or dangerous. Younger children can help with simple tasks such as putting away toys, dusting, and setting the table, while older children can take on more challenging chores such as vacuuming, doing laundry, and cooking meals.

 8. Break it down:

 Large tasks can be overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, more manageable steps, this can make them easier for children to understand and accomplish, for example, if the chore is to clean their room, you could break it down into steps such as picking up toys, putting away clothes, and making the bed.

9. Make it a family affair:

 Involve the whole family in completing household tasks together. Involving the whole family in completing household tasks together can be a great way to encourage communication and foster a sense of responsibility and community.

10. Be patient:

 Children may need time and practice to learn new skills. Learning new skills can be intimidating for children, and they may need time and practice to build the confidence to try new things. As parents, it’s important to be patient and supportive to help them learn new things.

11. Teach skills:

 Show your children how to properly clean and care for items in the home, and explain the process to your child and why it’s important. For example, you could explain that regular dusting helps to keep furniture looking nice and prevents allergies.

 12. Allow for mistakes:

 Children will make mistakes, allow for them to learn from their mistakes. Children are bound to make mistakes as they grow and learn, and it’s important for parents to allow for those mistakes to happen and to create a safe environment for their children to learn from them.

13. Use technology:

 Set up reminders or charts to help your children keep track of their chores. There are several chore apps available that can help your children keep track of their tasks like ChoreMonster, for example,  this is a popular app that allows parents to assign chores to their children and reward them with points. The app also includes a calendar that shows when each chore needs to be completed. Other ideas are Google Calendar, Alexa or Google Home, and Sticky notes app.

 14. Let them choose:

 Let your children have a say in which chores they would like to do. Encourage your child to make their own decision by asking questions and providing guidance as needed. This can help them develop decision-making skills and build confidence.

 15. Be consistent:

 Stick to your routine and expectations. Setting a cleaning routine is a great way to teach children responsibility and ensure that household tasks are completed regularly.

16. Encourage teamwork:

Encourage your children to work together to complete tasks. Assign tasks that require teamwork, such as cleaning up the playroom or setting the table for dinner. This can help your children learn to work together and communicate effectively.

17. Focus on effort: 

 Praising effort rather than just the end result can be an effective way to help children build their self-esteem, resilience, and motivation to continue learning and growing.

18. Switch it up:

 Change up chores to keep things interesting and prevent boredom. By changing up chores and making them more engaging, you can help your child stay motivated and interested in completing their tasks. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, as well as a greater sense of responsibility and independence.

19. Give choices: 

 Offer choices of  how to do a task to give a sense of autonomy. Offering choices of how to do a task can help children feel more in control and engaged in the task at hand. For example, if the task is to clean up their toys, you could offer the choice of putting them away in the toy box or on the shelf.

20. Be flexible:

 Allowing your children to complete tasks at their own pace can help them feel more independent and in control of their own responsibilities. It can also give them the opportunity to learn from their own mistakes and figure out the best way to approach a task.

21. Model positive attitudes: 

 Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards completing tasks. If your child is struggling with a task, be patient and encourage them to keep trying. Avoid getting frustrated or upset, as this can create a negative attitude towards completing tasks.

22. Encourage responsibility: 

 Encourage your children to be responsible with their tasks. Give your children tasks that are appropriate for their age and abilities. This will help them develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, and clearly communicate your expectations for your children’s responsibilities. This includes the tasks they are expected to complete, when they are expected to complete them, and any rewards or consequences for completing or not completing the tasks.

 23. Use natural consequences:

 Let your children experience the natural consequences of not completing tasks.

 24. Explain consequences:

 Explain the consequences of not completing tasks and how it affects the whole family.

25. Use positive language:

 Use positive language when giving instructions or feedback. For example, instead of saying “You didn’t do that very well,” you could say “I’m proud of how much you’ve improved since the last time you tried that.”

 26. Make it a learning experience: 

 Use chores as an opportunity to teach life skills.

 27. Be creative: 

 Find new and creative ways to make chores more interesting. Being creative can be a great way to make completing tasks more enjoyable and engaging for your children.

 28. Create a chore chart: 

 First, determine which chores your child is responsible for. Make a list of all the chores that need to be done, and decide which ones your child can handle based on their age and ability, and  create a chore chart to help them to keep track of their tasks.

 29. Create a routine: 

 Create a routine that fits your family’s needs and schedule. But also establish a regular schedule for chores, that outlines when each task needs to be completed and who is responsible for completing it. Make sure that everyone has a clear understanding of the schedule and what is expected of them.

 30. Encourage independence: 

 Encourage your children to complete tasks on their own.

31. Explain benefits of help at home:

Explain the benefits of completing tasks and how it helps the whole family.

32. Use a timer: 

 Use a timer to make tasks more exciting and to help your children stay on track.

33. Give feedback: 

 Give positive feedback and constructive criticism, encourage your child to practice, and celebrate their progress to help them improve.

34. Allow for creativity:

  Allow your children to add their own personal touches to completing tasks. For example, have them draw a picture of the garden they just helped plant.

35. Set goals:

Set goals for completing tasks to create a sense of accomplishment.

36. Use music: 

Play music to make chores more fun and to keep your children motivated to help at home.

37. Provide guidance: 

 Provide guidance and support when needed.

 38. Plan and prioritize: 

 Start by identifying what tasks need to be completed and prioritizing them. Then, assign roles and responsibilities to each family member based on their age, ability and interest.

 39. Be realistic:

 Set realistic expectations for completing tasks, consider how long a task should take and be realistic about the amount of time your child has to complete it. Avoid giving your child an unrealistic deadline that will only set them up for failure.

 40. Keep it simple: 

 Keep instructions and tasks simple and easy to understand. Use clear and concise language: Use language that is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using complex words or phrases that may confuse your child.

The Benefits to Teach Children to Help at Home

Teaching children to help at home has numerous benefits that contribute to
their overall development and well-being. Here are some of the key
benefits:

1. Responsibility and Independence

 Assigning age-appropriate chores helps children develop a sense of
responsibility and independence. By participating in household tasks,
they learn to take ownership of their responsibilities and contribute
to the smooth functioning of the family unit. 

 2. Life Skills: 

 Engaging children in household chores helps them acquire essential life
skills. They learn valuable lessons such as cleaning, organizing,
cooking, doing laundry, and basic home maintenance. These skills are
crucial for their future self-sufficiency when they eventually live
on their own.

 3. Teamwork and Cooperation: 

 Working together as a family to complete chores fosters a sense of teamwork
and cooperation. Children learn to collaborate with others, share
responsibilities, and communicate effectively to achieve common
goals. These skills are transferable to other areas of life, such as
school, relationships, and future careers.

 4. Self-Confidence and Competence: 

 When children successfully complete tasks and contribute to the household,
they develop a sense of accomplishment and build self-confidence.
They experience the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution
and gain a sense of competence in their abilities.

 5. Work Ethic and Discipline: 

 Involving children in household chores instills a strong work ethic and
discipline. They learn the value of consistent effort, perseverance,
and time management. These qualities are crucial for success in
academic, personal, and professional endeavors.

 6. Empathy and Appreciation: 

 Participating in chores allows children to understand the effort and sacrifices
made by their family members. They develop empathy and appreciation
for the work done by others. This fosters gratitude, respect, and a
deeper understanding of the importance of helping and supporting one
another.

 7. Practical Learning Opportunities: 

 Household chores provide practical learning opportunities for children. They
learn about different aspects of the home, basic home economics, and
the importance of cleanliness and organization. These experiences
contribute to their overall knowledge and understanding of the world
around them.

 8. Emotional and Social Development:

 Engaging children in household tasks can positively impact their emotional and
social development. It helps them develop patience, perseverance, and
resilience in the face of challenges. They also learn to manage their
emotions, handle frustration, and develop a sense of responsibility
towards the family.

What to do when kids doesn’t want to help at home?

Encountering resistance from children when it comes to helping at home is not uncommon. Here are some strategies you can try if your kids are reluctant to contribute:

 1. Communicate and explain the importance:

 Have an open and honest conversation with your children about the importance of helping at home. Explain how everyone in the family has responsibilities, and contributing to household chores is a way to show care and support for one another. Help them understand that their participation is essential for maintaining a clean, organized, and harmonious home.

 2. Set clear expectations and routines: 

 Establish clear expectations regarding the tasks your children are responsible for. Create a routine or schedule for chores so that they become a regular part of their daily or weekly routine. Clear guidelines and consistency will help children understand that helping at home is a non-negotiable expectation.

 3. Make it age-appropriate and enjoyable: 

 Ensure that the tasks you assign to your children are suitable for their age and abilities. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and provide guidance and support when needed. Make the process enjoyable by turning chores into a game, playing music, or offering small rewards or incentives upon completion.

 4. Lead by example: 

 Children learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Be a positive role model by demonstrating a positive attitude towards household tasks and willingly participating in them yourself. Show enthusiasm, praise their efforts, and make it a family activity whenever possible. When children see you actively engaging in chores, they are more likely to follow suit.

 5. Provide autonomy and choice: 

 Give children a sense of ownership and autonomy by allowing them to have a say in the chores they want to take on. Offer them a selection of tasks and let them choose what they prefer or rotate responsibilities among siblings. When children feel a sense of control and choice, they are more likely to be motivated to help.

 6. Break tasks into manageable steps: 

 Large or overwhelming tasks can discourage children from getting started. Break down chores into smaller, more manageable steps and guide them through the process. Celebrate their progress and provide encouragement along the way to keep them motivated.

 7. Gradually increase responsibility: 

 Start with simple tasks appropriate for their age and gradually increase the complexity and responsibility as they grow older. This allows children to develop skills and confidence over time, ensuring they are capable of taking on more challenging chores.

 8. Express appreciation and acknowledge their efforts:

  Recognize and appreciate your children’s efforts when they help at home. Offer genuine praise and acknowledgment for their contributions. Expressing gratitude and recognizing their hard work can foster a positive attitude and make them feel valued, motivating them to continue helping.

 Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key when encouraging children to help at home. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a supportive environment, you can gradually instill a sense of responsibility and cooperation in your children.

It won’t be easy, but satisfactory

It may take some time for your children to get used to the idea of helping out at home, so be patient and consistent in your approach. Start with small tasks and gradually build up to more complex chores as your child becomes more comfortable and capable.

Overall, teaching children to help at home not only lightens the load for parents or caregivers but also equips children with essential life skills, instills important values, and contributes to their holistic development.

Ana Isabel Turner

Simple Solutions for Life in a Chaotic World.

anaturner.com