Simple Ways to Create Chores for Kids

BetsyC · Joined: 13 May 2007 Posts: 63 Location: Lake Placid, FL

Whether your kids our young or are older, it’s never too early or late to start a cleaning regiment. Chores are a vital part of any functioning family and requiring chores for kids is a great way to share in the various duties. Plus, through the process you will teach your children valuable lessons.

If you are just getting started with giving cleaning assignments, read on for some helpful tips.

1. Get Organized
Before getting started take inventory of your home. What needs to be cleaned and how often? Which age range would be appropriate for specific tasks? Once you know this, it will make the process much easier.

2. Put It In Writing
Whether you use a chore chart or have a chore list written on 3x5 cards, writing out the chores is a must. In the beginning you may even list out the required steps for completing a particular task or what you’ll look for to ensure a job well done. Even if you show them how to do a task, having it in writing is a good idea; especially if you will rotating responsibilities.

3. Set Time Limits
Expectations are crucial to kids. They need to know your expectations and what’s expected out of them. That is why setting time limits are important. Whether your kids will be required to clean every day or once a week, set parameters as to long how it should take them and when you expect a chore to be completed. If you want bathrooms cleaned before company arrives, you need to have this task planned well in advance!

4. Be In Action
While you need to be available for your kids during the cleaning process, it is also important to show them that you clean as well. Teaching by example is one of the most valuable lessons. Whether you have your own chores or choose to help everyone out during cleaning time, be sure that you’re working together to accomplish the cleaning goal.

5. Be Creative
Let’s face it, cleaning isn’t fun. It’s something that most moms dread and avoid; therefore, you can imagine how your kids feel. To help in the process, learn to be creative. Think of unique and fun ways to make the cleaning process easier and the tasks won’t seem so tedious! Here are a few simple ideas:
• Have a reward system
• Purchase individual cleaning caddies with cleaning supplies
• Buy fun tools like feather dusters or fan dusters
• Have special days off, “no cleaning” on birthdays
• Wear special cleaning outfits
• Let them do what they enjoy!
Anything will do as long as it works for your family.

Although no one enjoys doing chores, they still have to be done. By requiring your children to participate in chores you’re teaching them valuable lessons that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. And if you do a good job, one day they will teach others the skills you taught them long ago! Thanks, mom!!

Betsy Canevari is a work at home mom with a toddler. She co-owns Smart Moms - Smart Business; an online resource dedicated to educating women on how to earn multiple streams of income from home. For more ideas on chores for your kids and organizing your home, visit Smart Moms – Smart Business.
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Betsy Canevari
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Anita · Posted: August 26, 2007, 9:05 pm Post subject:

Great article!! Thanks for sharing!

We do a reward system but it's more like each chore is worth a monetary value. I like the other ideas though too w/ the cleaning caddies and cleaning outfits ... sure would make things a little more fun for them.

Now, got any ideas on how to make them KEEP things clean?? Boy, I might not go broke because I'm bribing ahem, encouraging them to clean this that and the other thing so much!! Laughing

Take care,
Anita Razz

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Anita · Posted: August 28, 2007, 3:45 pm Post subject:

Here's a website with a bunch of chore charts you might be interested in. There's even a honey do list ladies Wink

http://successfulfamilychores.com/Chore_Charts/

One of the cool things this website does is it goes from a blank chore chart to a my first chore chart to preteen, clear up through and including menu charts. She really has it all, lol!

Take care,
Anita Razz

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P.S. You have to check this out:
COMPLETE Business For Sale - All Ready to Go!