TLD: 4 Tips to Involve Kids in Household Chores
Save time while you build their confidence
It’s time for another installment of the The Lowe Down (TLD) where I answer an anonymous question submitted by a Wellthy Mama. So let’s get right into it…
Q: How can I teach my kids to be responsible and involve them in household chores without adding extra stress to my already busy schedule?
A: I absolutely love this question because too many moms try to do it all on their own. This lets me know you’re willing to let go of the control and the idea that it’s solely your responsibility to keep the house relatively tidy.
Now, I’m going to be honest with you. They will have questions, need support and make mistakes BUT it won’t be like that forever. I created a YouTube video all about using my 3 step process to get you delegating at work and home but when it comes to kids specifically, here are 4 additional strategies that help make chore assignments easier and effective for everyone involved.
Make it fun: Not many people love cleaning so why do you think your kids are going to rush to wipe down those countertops? Regardless of how tired a kid is, one thing they’ll always find energy for is playing so turn chores into a game or competition. See who can fold and put away all their laundry the fastest or pick a room together and try to clean it as a team in under 30 minutes. Winner gets a treat.
Lead by Example: It’s not good enough to tell your kids to clean up. Those pesky children have a way of doing what they see and not always what they’re told. So, if you’re not setting a good example by completing your own chores then your word won’t carry as much weight. Be honest with yourself here and don’t feel guilty about the past. Today is a brand new day. Use it as an opportunity to connect with your kids and build even better habits together.
Be Consistent: This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. I would have bursts of “Everybody Clean Up” and then for the next 3 months I would go back to the “All By Myself” routine. I was sending mixed signals which would have been confusing to anyone. Once I stuck to a regular routine, the kids started to complain less about having to peel themselves up from the couch to do their chores. Just keep going. It gets better!
Sing their Praises: I don’t know about you but I love when someone tells me I did a great job. I’m not of the camp that you can hype or love on your kids too much. I sure don’t have problems bringing the high energy when they make poor choices so I have worked on keeping that same energy when it comes to the positive actions they take. When your kids improve, let them know you notice and are proud of their progress. Channel your inner DJ Khaled and transform into their favorite (and maybe even embarrassing) hype man!
I’m still very much in the thick of chore assignments with my just turned 7 (Happy Birthday Eden!) and almost 10 year old but they are getting more confident and independent every single day. They still need help in certain areas and that’s okay too. What I can tell you is that it’s absolutely worth any extra time and energy you have to invest in the beginning. If you want to read more about chores I gave them two years ago, you can check out my blog post CHORES I GIVE MY 5 AND 8 YEAR OLD. If you’re interested in a list of chores I give then now, let me know.
Kids are smarter than we sometimes give them credit for and I try to keep in the front of my mind that I’m raising tiny humans that will hopefully be helpful and thoughtful adults. That starts right here at home and I’m happy to oblige. Also, the added benefit of having more time and energy on my hands doesn’t hurt either…
The Lowe Down
Are you loving The Lowe Down? Click here or the card below to submit an anonymous question about managing your schedule, home or life so you have more time for the stuff that matters.
P.S. Keep the conversation going in the comments. If you have any tips or advice that work for you and your family, please share so we can help each other!
Until next time, live and be WELL!