How to Get Your Kids to Do Chores

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Getting your children to do chores can be a chore itself. Here are some tips for making it less stressful:

Start Young
Toddlers love helping out. Take advantage of their desire and curiosity and find simple things for them to do that they would enjoy, like taking laundry out of the washer and dryer. Starting young also establishes chores as part of your daily routine, and your kids will accept it as normal.
 
Ask Politely
Your children will be more likely to help out if you ask politely and calmly. Other useful ways are to give them a window of time instead of asking right away (ex: "In five minutes/when your show is over could you please put your shoes away?") and framing the question as a group effort (ex: "Let's put the dishes away.").

Set Clear Expectations
Be sure your child knows which chores to do and when/how often to do them. Keep them the same for younger kids for consistency and to teach them responsibility and allow them to improve. Rotate chores for older kids for fairness and to teach them new skills. Make your directions for completing the task very clear. Specific instructions will help prevent arguing over how and when the job is done. Also forewarn them of any consequences if the chore is not done.

Show Teamwork
When children are young, help them out with their chores and show them how teamwork can make the work go quickly and efficiently. Your kids will then be more likely to help you or their siblings out with chores when asked since they receive help with theirs.

Give Praise
Let your kids know when they do a good job and always thank them for contributing to a clean, organized home. Kids who are appreciated are more willing to continue helping.

How do you get your kids to do chores?