Caregivers Corner: Tips to Get Kids Excited about Chores
- prairieskiespld
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Getting kids to do their chores can feel like...well, a chore! But the right approach can help motivate kids to pitch in without constant reminders. It’s all about making chores more fun and rewarding. Here are some simple ways to get your kids excited about helping out around the house.
Make It A Game
Kids love games, so why not turn chores into one? You can set up a race to see who can complete their task the fastest, or create a scavenger hunt where they find and clean certain items. Make sure to appreciate their accomplishments, even if they’re small – it’ll motivate them to do more next time.
Use A Chore Chart
A chore chart is a visual way to track tasks and rewards. Kids feel a sense of pride when they check off completed tasks. It's simple, effective, and helps kids see their progress.
Give Them Tasks They’re Good At
Assigning chores based on their strengths will make them feel more confident and capable. If they love organizing, let them tidy up the bookshelves or arrange their toys. It also helps to assign tasks that are age-appropriate. Need suggestions on what chores are best for what age group? Look here.
Offer Choices
Giving kids a choice is a great way to make them feel in control. Let them pick which chore they’d like to do first. This simple step can help prevent them from feeling forced into a task, and it can make chores feel less like a punishment and more like an opportunity.
Set A Timer for Quick Tasks
Nothing motivates kids like a race against time. Set a timer for small chores like cleaning up their toys or making the bed. Challenge them to finish before the timer runs out.
Turn On Music
Play their favorite songs while they do chores, or even create a chore playlist. The upbeat rhythm will keep them moving and help make chores feel like less of a chore.
Give Positive Reinforcement
Children thrive on praise. Be sure to give plenty of positive reinforcement when they do their chores. Whether it’s a simple “great job” or a special treat, showing appreciation for their effort goes a long way in encouraging them to do it again.
A reward system works wonders when it comes to motivating kids. Whether it’s earning stickers, extra screen time, a small prize, or an allowance knowing that a reward awaits can make kids more excited to complete their chores.
Chore Challenges
Turn cleaning up into a friendly competition. Challenge your kids to beat their previous record or to finish a task before you finish yours. Adding a little competition can get kids engaged and push them to work faster and more efficiently.
Involve them in Planning
Kids love being involved in decisions, so let them help plan the chores for the week. When they feel like they’ve had a say in the process, they may be more likely to follow through. Plus, it’s a good chance to teach them about planning and teamwork.
Break Down Tasks into Small Steps
Kids are more likely to enjoy chores when they feel like they can succeed at them. Sometimes, a big chore can feel overwhelming to a child. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps so they don’t feel as daunting. For example, instead of “clean your room,” try “pick up your toys,” then “make your bed,” and so on.
Use Storytelling
Kids have vivid imaginations. Create fun stories around their chores. For example, they can be a superhero “fighting grime” or a chef cooking up a feast while they do the dishes. Adding a fun narrative can make the work feel like an adventure.
Do Chores Together
Modeling good behavior is key. Make chores a team effort by doing tasks together. Whether it’s folding laundry or sweeping the floor, working side by side makes chores more enjoyable and strengthens family bonds.
Give Them Ownership
Encourage your kids to take ownership of their space. For example, make their room their responsibility and give them the freedom to decide how they want to keep it tidy. When kids feel a sense of ownership, they take more pride in keeping things neat and clean.
Limit Screen Time until Chores Are Done
Sometimes, the best motivator is a little incentive. Let your kids know that they need to finish their chores before they can play video games or watch their favorite show. A small, simple reward like this can encourage them to get to work and complete the task more efficiently.
The Bigger Picture
When it comes to getting kids excited about chores, a little creativity can make the process more enjoyable. While kids may not always jump at the chance to clean up, introducing new methods can transform the experience into something fun.
With a little patience and some fun strategies, chore time can become just another part of their day they look forward to. In the end, it’s about teaching responsibility while also making sure they enjoy the learning process.
Adapted from www.homeaswemakeit.com/15-methods-to-get-kids-excited-about-chores-and-actually-do-them
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