How to get your kids involved with housework

We’re more used to kids causing housework than helping with it. However, getting the kids involved with household chores not only lightens the load, but teaches them some responsibility and starts them off on a path to independence.

Of course, the first major hurdle is getting them to do the tasks without a hefty tantrum. But there are lots of ways to get your kids involved without it feeling like a battle. Here’s a few good tips to get you started.

It’s not a chore

The first thing to do is change your approach from it being a chore to an activity. Even the word ‘chore’ sounds painful. Like a punishment for being naughty. So, it’s no wonder the idea of completing chores is seen in a negative light. Avoid speaking or writing about doing chores and even housework. Frame it positively with the word ‘task’ or ‘activity’. If you’re drawing up a rota, use pictures instead of words, to describe each job that needs doing.

Do housework as a family activity

Why should housework be something one person does alone? Working together as a family helps us to bond and feel like a team. It also avoids pitting adults against kids. So, rather than set tasks for the kids while you do something else, work on each job together. A few pairs of hands dusting a room should complete it quicker anyway.

Get the right tools

Kids can only manage to join in with the housework if they’re physically able to do it. And having easy-to-use equipment will certainly help with that. For example, if you’ve got a vacuum cleaner that needs plugging in to different power points as you go and strong arms to manoeuvre it, then it’s not suitable. So, look at finding more child-friendly options that are compact and battery-powered. Cordless hoover reviews will help you decide which are lightweight and easy to use.

Introduce incentives

Who doesn’t love a reward scheme? And so, housework should be rewarded. It can be something simple such as a little extra screen time or a sweet treat or it could be points towards a big day out. And if your kids are a bit older, they probably won’t pass up the offer of cold hard cash.

Use positive affirmation

As well as rewarding hard work with material rewards, it’s important to use praise too. And that’s not just for a job well done. Encouraging your children while they’re working will boost their morale and confidence. If they’re struggling to manage, give them friendly pointers rather than saying they’re doing it wrong. And when they do complete something, don’t simply thank them. Comment on how well it looks or give them a high five, so they can feel a sense of pride and achievement.

Do it in small chunks

Kids get tired and bored very quickly, so expecting them to take on a full house clean in one go may be a tad unrealistic. If your child is only expected to do ten minutes here and there, they’re less likely to kick up a fuss. So, keep to short bursts of housework interspersed with other activities.

Make it fun

For the most part, housework simply isn’t fun. But you can put a fun spin on it. For confident kids you can challenge them to be the quickest at completing it. Or simply do what many people do and turn up the tunes. Music always lightens the mood. And letting them choose the playlist may just encourage them to help more.