How to Assign Household Chores

Running a household efficiently is one of the most difficult tasks there is. Here are some ways to make it a little bit easier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dishwashing Detergent
• Dry-sponges
• Bathroom Cleaner
• Brooms
• Car Wash Supplies
• Hampers
• Laundry Detergents
• Vacuum Cleaners
• Bathroom Cleaner
• Garbage Bags
• Paper And Pencils
• Garbage bags
• Vacuum cleaners

1. Teach younger children how to complete daily tasks: to make their beds and to take out only two or three toys at a time, putting them away before taking out more.

2. Ask older children and adults to take care of daily tasks as well: to wash and dry dishes as they use them; to keep bathrooms clean and dry; and to put clean clothing away in closets or drawers and dirty clothes in the hamper.

3. Demonstrate to your children how to do a particular chore, and allow time and practice for them to do it right.

4. Make a chart of major chores, such as laundry, sweeping, grocery shopping, cooking, and taking out the garbage, and rotate them every month.

5. Think of chores that the family can complete together. For instance, on a hot summer day, have everyone go outside and wash the car - and have a water fight while you're at it.

Tips & Warnings

• For younger children, have them help create a daily schedule with their chores worked in. Routine is important for them.
• Fill a jar with slips of paper with a game or chore listed on each one. Whenever your children say they're bored, have them draw a slip from the jar and complete the task that's written - this is a sneaky way to get them to complete a chore while entertaining them.
• Paying children to do basic chores might give them the idea that they should be rewarded for doing tasks that are part of their routine.

[crazyathome2]

on 7/1/2009 i have gotten several great ideas. I am wonderful at starting something and then giving up when it gets tough. i am up for a new challenge!!

[Coach4U]

on 3/14/2009 Good tips. "5"

[apalmer]

on 3/5/2009 Some chores are a kids responsibility such as making their own bed, however, they should be paid a small weekly allowance for chore duties in general. It teaches them to work for their money. And they can also learn to earn money to buy what they want instead of nagging and whining for it.

[ambercrawford02]

on 10/10/2008 what if your kids refuse to do chores

[sebasvd]

on 9/28/2007 I've developed a free (ad-supported) website that allows families to organize their chores as well as other household tasks. Just go to www.householdpages.com and register.