Getting Children Involved in Housework - 5 Tips For Parents

Parents know this to be true.

Having children can be one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. They bring so much laughter and love into our lives. However, as all parents know, they also bring a lot of mess! From the moment they wake up until the moment they go to bed, it can feel like they're leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. With four children of our own Sensei April and I have definitely seen our share of disaster!

This is why it's important to get them involved in housework from a young age. It instills good habits and teaches them responsibility. But getting children to help out around the house isn't always easy. They would rather be outside playing, playing video games or spending time with their friends.

Here are five tips for parents who want to get their children involved in housework:

 1. Talk to them about why it's important.

The first step is to sit down with your child and explain why it's important for them to help out around the house. Talk about how cleaning up together will make the house nicer for everyone and how it will teach them valuable skills that they can use when they're older.

2. Make a chore chart.

One way to get children excited about helping out around the house is to make a chore chart. Sit down with them and brainstorm a list of tasks that they can do, such as putting away their toys or setting the table for dinner. Then, let them pick which chores they want to do each day. This will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility.

3. Lead by example.

If you want your children to help out around the house, then you need to lead by example. Make sure that you're doing your fair share of cleaning too! When they see you pitch in and help out, they'll be more likely to do the same.

4. Be patient.

Cleaning up together is not going to be an overnight success. There will be times when your child doesn't want to participate or when they make a mess while trying to help clean up. It's important to be patient and encourage them to keep trying. Over time, they will get better at it and enjoy helping out more and more.

5. Offer rewards.

One way to motivate your child to help out around the house is by offering rewards for a job well done. This could be something as simple as letting them pick a movie to watch or picking out a new toy from the store. When they know that there's something in it for them, they'll be more likely to put in the extra effort needed to get the job done right!

These are just a few tips for parents who want to get their children involved in housework around the house! By talking about why it's important, making a chore chart, leading by example, being patient, and offering rewards, you'll have your little ones pitching in before you know it!