How to Divide Household Chores

Household chores are a part of life. But some people will try almost anything to get out of doing them. In these times, it's common for both parents to work full time and for kids to be involved in extracurricular activities. Since we're all so busy, it's important to divide the necessary chores where everyone in the family can pitch in and help.

Instructions

1. Set family priorities. Chores like dishes and laundry must be done regularly, but other chores, like dusting, might be able to slide a little bit. Decide what your family needs to have done daily, weekly and monthly.

2. Sit down together and make a list of chores. Try and think of every little detail, right down to emptying the cat litter box.

3. Create a chore chart that lists everyone's responsibilities. This can be displayed on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board where everyone will see it. And when it's in writing, there's less room for disagreement.

4. Choose chores that you will do. This is a great place to start when you divide household chores.

5. Compromise on the unappealing chores. You could draw straws or flip a coin to make this decision. Or you could come up with a rotation, so one person isn't stuck cleaning the toilets until further notice. You might even be able to work out a plan where you handle these chores together, or you could shell out the money to hire help for these responsibilities.

6. Consider your natural habits. It doesn't make sense to have a night owl making breakfast in the mornings. When you take your natural tendencies into consideration, you'll get more done.

7. Find a plan that everyone thinks is fair. You might not enjoy all of your responsibilities, but you should be able to admit whether or not it's fair.

8. Keep your end of the deal. It's unfair for your partner to be forced to ask you to do the chores you've already agreed to do, and it can put your relationship in an awkward position.

9. Be flexible. Meetings, soccer games, family visits and everything else life can throw at you can force you to alter your chore schedule.

10. Compliment instead of complain. Nagging is a sure way to discourage your partner from getting chores done. But compliments can go a long way to motivate someone.