Part of the duties associated with being a member of a family is helping out around the house. Unfortunately, some children are often reluctant to perform chores their parents assign. You may think it is due to laziness, but, more likely, your kids would rather spend their time playing and participating in fun activities instead of scrubbing toilets or taking out the trash.
Step 1
Talk to your child honestly about his role in the family. Explain that everyone must do his assigned part even when it is difficult, time consuming or boring. Allow him to express his thoughts on the matter but be firm by letting him know that helping out is not a choice but a responsibility.
Step 2
Outline specifically what is involved in the chores your child does. Be specific rather than simply saying "clean your room" to her. The "Center for Effective Parenting" recommends detailing the steps it takes to complete such a large task. For example, give her the steps she needs to do when putting toys away, hanging up clothes and making her bed. Young children often need tasks broken down even more and may need to complete them in segments.
Step 3
Provide positive feedback to your child in the form of praise for a job well done. Payment for chores should not be required. Remind your child that one day he will have his own home and no one will pay him for cleaning and caring for it.
Step 4
Set reasonable consequences for failure to perform or complete household tasks. Let your child know in advance what the result will be for neglecting the work. For example, if he does not complete a particular week's chores then he will not be allowed to go out with friends on the weekend.
Step 5
Show your kids how important helping out around the house is by being a good role model. Let her see you performing the daily tasks that keep your household running. Have him witness the teamwork parents put into the job of keep the house maintained.
Step 6
Challenge your child with tasks that are tough but not overwhelming. Base the chores you assign on the age and ability of the child. For example, a very young child may be able to wipe down the kitchen table but may not be capable of washing the dishes.
Step 7
Allow your child to choose the tasks he wants to perform by giving him choices. For instance, you may ask him to decide whether he wants to wash the car or vacuum the house. The "Organized Home" website advises you give him some options to allow him some control and make the jobs more interesting.
Step 8
Insist children complete urgent tasks immediately. Do not allow your child to procrastinate. Show her the importance of completing work in a timely manner. For example, illustrate to her that laying out her school clothes the day before will prevent her from rushing around in the morning, which might make her miss her bus.
