How to Get Your Child (Sort of) Excited About Chores
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Spring has finally arrived, so you know what that means? It is time for spring cleaning! Right now, paren'ts are rejoicing while children are cringing at the prospect of spending countless hours sweeping, washing, vacuuming, and so much more. But chores are a very important part of any childhood. Not only do they help instill responsibility, but as paren'ts you are teaching your child very important life skills. So how do you get your child excited about chores, and how do you know if they are even ready?
When and How to Introduce Chores
Most experts agree that you should introduce chores at an early age, around the 2 to 3 year range. Preschoolers love to help out around the house and can handle simple tasks like putting their toys away and wiping up spills. As children get older, they can start to manage more complex tasks like loading the dishwasher and making their bed. Not sure what chores your child should be tackling? WebMD has a handy list of tasks that are age appropriate, so check it out before you get started.
It is also important to ease into chores. WebMD suggests, "First, show them how to do the chore step by step. Next, let your child help you do it. Then have your child do the chore as you supervise. Once your child has it mastered, she's ready to go solo." But of course, do not expect perfection. Let your child work at their own pace, and no matter what, do not step in to do the chore for them as it will undermine the whole experience.
How to Get Your Children Involved
Just remember, you are your child's first and best teacher so it is important to model good behaviour. If you want your child to clean up after themselves then you should do it too! There are so many tips and tricks out there to get your child interested in chores, but these are some of my favourite tried and true paren't-approved methods from Today's Paren't:
- Turn tidy up time into basketball time by throwing toys into their designated boxes
- Use walkie-talkies while you are cleaning up around the house and pretend you are spies on a secret mission
- Turn clean up time into a dance party
- Pretend that you are pioneers
- Have a tidy-up race and see who can pick up their toys the fastest
Do you have any chore-related tips that you would like to share? Write to us in the comment section below.
Be Prepared
As always, if you are looking for more tips and tricks on how to get your child excited about chores come to the library! We have plenty of paren'ting books that can help you along the way. Here are just a few:
Cleaning House: A Mom's 12-Month Experiment to Rid her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma
Happy spring cleaning everyone!
3 thoughts on “How to Get Your Child (Sort of) Excited About Chores”
Great ideas! I’m totally going to get my kids to do more around the house.
I’m glad you liked it!
Ooo, very practical suggestions. I like it, Teresa!