How To Get The Kids To Do The Chores

My returning to work has been a big shock for the family and we have had a lot of moments like this,
" Go put some socks on now or you'll be late for school"
" I haven't got any clean ones"
Oh bugger I knew I shouldn't try to compete with the sock graveyard, it wins every time!
Or when my daughter went on a school trip and her hamster died ( old age of course ).

Getting the kids to do more around the house has been difficult to organise but worth it. They've got more used to doing things and I am more relaxed and able to cope if things break down ( like the dishwasher, whose element decided to pack up)

They also develop a sense of responsibility and increased feelings of self worth.

Here are some of my own tips;

1. Bribery, even 50p can go along way to a 10 year old.

2. Help them a little to start them off.

3. Bring out their competitive side by getting them to finish before the end of a song.

4. Divide up the chores, it doesn't seem as bad if others are having to do some work too.

5. Make it a lottery with a Job Of The Week envelope hiding a prize for a predetermined job.

6. Give them a time limit and suggest an earlier bedtime if it is not completed.

7. Help them to make a chore calender or similar to give them back control.