All parents want to teach their children to help with chores around the house, however, it’s not always easy to get them motivated! On the other hand, getting children used to chores from an early age helps them learn the importance of helping mom and dad. Here, we have five top tips to help make chores more fun for children, so they can grow up to be helpful and responsible.
Before trying to make the chores more fun, it’s important to make sure the tasks you are giving your child are age-appropriate. If you expect too much of your child, no one is going to be having fun. You should always show your child how to perform the task before you expect them to do it alone, too. It’s also a good idea to have them choose a couple of chores they would like to do from a list, so they can feel more in control.
Sing Silly Songs
One of the easiest ways to make chores more fun is to play music or sing. Get the kids to pick some of their favorite songs and play them as everyone does their chores together. Or, you could make up silly songs about the chores, using the mop as a microphone! Get imaginative and go with what your children enjoy.
Use Toys to ‘Help’ Tidy Up
If your kids are tidying up their room, suggest they use their toys to tidy up. My little girl loves using her favorite cuddly toy to ‘help’ her do whatever she’s doing, whether it’s packing away other toys or playing a board game! Get creative with it – use trucks and cars to transport other toys, or fill up the toy shopping cart with all the play food.
Make Chores a Competition
If you have more than one child, it’s a great idea to make the chores a competition. Ensure the chores take about the same amount of effort, and see who can be the first to finish. Or, the child can race against mom or dad! You could get a stopwatch and record the best times, to make the kids eager to do their chores again the next time.
Hide Small Treats around the House
Hiding small rewards around the house can make things more fun for kids of all ages. If your child will be dusting, place some coins or candy where they will find it if they do their job properly! If they are tidying away toys and clothes, put the little treats in the place where the items should be put away.
Make Chores into a Game
Anything can be made into a fun game if you get into the right mindset – think like a kid! Let your child mess around with the water when they’re washing the dishes – it’s easy to mop up the floor afterwards. My daughter loves to jump on the bed when I’m changing the bed, or playing peek-a-boo under the sheets! If there is something your child wants to do whilst doing their chores, just let them do it. As long as they get the task done in the end, it doesn’t matter what they want to do to make it more fun.
It’s important to always praise your child when they successfully complete a task, so they are motivated to keep doing it again. You don’t have to give them a reward every time they finish their chores, and there’s a lot of debate over whether or not parents should pay their children for doing tasks around the home. Simple verbal praise or a cuddle goes a long way in motivating young children!
Author Bio
Emily Dick is currently developing https://whooopsadaisy.com/, which is a website with reviews and advice for parents of young children. She has recently graduated with an Honors Degree in social science from the Open University.
Emily is mom to two-year-old daughter, Daisy, as well as her two pet cats! When she is not creating content for her website, Emily enjoys outings with Daisy to local events and attractions.
Sage Bishop says
How nice! It’s really great. It will help me with more fun for my kids. Will you review best toys for kids, which love kids?
Rocky Bill says
Great information. after research lots of websites just get this knowledge. Thanks for sharing
Tabib Hasan says
Great information. after research lots of websites just get this knowledge. Thanks for sharing
Ray A. says
Awesome! It’s really great. thanks for sharing
Hey everyone, I found a unique website that offers personalized portraits for babies and children. They saved us when we missed our photoshoot due to the pandemic. Try them out!
Here’s the link: https://loveandbub.com/