A recent study revealed that while 82 percent of parents did chores growing up, only 28 percent have their kids do chores. But, 75 percent of parents think chores make kids more responsible, even if they don¹t have their kids do them.
So I asked Gregg Murset, a parenting and chore expert, for his best tips to get kids to do chores without complaining or having to ask them over and over again to get jobs done, literally turning chores into a chore for the parent.
Here's what he suggests:
1. Take Advantage of Kid's Love of Technology. Why threaten to take away a child's technology when you can use that technology to deliver results when it comes to chores? By using an online job chart like MyJobChart.com, children consistently log in, see jobs that need to be done, register the completion and find out their rewards. Your kids find themselves motivated by seeing their bank account grow and positive notes from mom and dad.
2. Let Kids Work To Support A Special Charity They Select. Help your child find a charity or cause they want to support, and tell them by finishing their chores, part of the money they earn will go as a donation. The donation could be made once a year, every month or every week, depending on your child, but if they can see how their hard work helps animals, another child or to help find a cure, they will be more engaged.
3. Parents Match (Double) Any Savings or Donation. Make an agreement with your kids that whatever they earn, you (and even grandma/grandpa) will match the dollar amount to go toward a charity or that new toy they have been wanting.
4. Connect Chores with a Special Day or Additional Activity Time. Sometimes all a child wants is some special time with mom and dad, maybe a trip to the zoo, to see a movie or to go out to eat at a favorite restaurant. Have a standing arrangement that every week or month, if assigned tasks are completed properly, you will grant them one wish to do something.
5. Allow Overtime … Just like mom and dad, give your kids the chance to work overtime to earn more money. Even though some jobs have a clear ending, find other jobs that your children could do beyond regular chores, if they request. Examples include working in the garden, painting a room, doing advance homework or helping neighbors with their projects.
If you've already won this war, I hope you'll share your ideas, too.
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