MOTIVATING KIDS TO HELP

Motivating kids to help

Include your youngest child in the housework; it may slow progress, but it's an essential first step in helping that child feel part of the home work force....(this is a great idea). Have your young child dust and sweep along with you at first. The youngster will feel grown up, and you'll get more work done.

(Now, Now, don't be yelling at him/her when they are giving all they effort to help in the family work force and don't be too demanding on a young child either.)


Some household jobs a 5-year old can do:

1. Make her/his own bed every day. It may be a little sloppy at first, but it'll improve in the course of time.
2. put clothes back in the closet or proper dresser drawer.
3. Put toys back in the toy chest.
4. water houseplants.
5. feed the dog, cat or goldfish (if she/he is reminded,) or any other pet they have.
6. set the table.
7. clear the table, one thing at a time.
8. help you empty the garbage
9. help you load the dishwasherhelp you sort laundry

Teach your child step by step how to do whatever job you ask of him/her. Don't assume that the task will be completely learned by watching.

SHOW, TEACH, TRAIN.........

Once you've given your child certain definite jobs with clear-cut instructions and or responsibilities, let him or her work without constant supervision. Check the result when he/she is finished and compliment him.

Clearly define the time of day when a child's job is to be completed--either before school, right after school, or by dinner. (choose one of these.) Don't let tasks hang over into the evening.

On weekends, make up a list of chores and negotiate assignments over a leisurely breakfast. Break a big job down into steps and be sure the kids' ages and abilities are equal to their assignments.

Assume that boys and girls will do the housework in equal amounts and without sex designations. Assign their chores accordingly.

Don't redo a chore that a chold has just completed. If you insist that a task be done ony your way, then do it yourself and be done with it.

Redoing is destructive to a childs ego. Just think back at at ime when someone redid something you had just completed!

Don't expect a youngster to put in a full day's work. An hour is about all that can reasonably be expected of an 8 year old. A 14 year old can probably achieve almost as much as an adult, but this depends on the responsibility level of the teenager.

SOME HOUSEHOLD JOBS A TEENAGER CAN DO:

(in addition to the chores of a younger child.)

1. empty wastebaskets and ashtrays (if you smoke)
2. carry out trash cans
3. vacuum rugs and floors.
4. clean and sweep the kitchen floor
5. iron his/her own clothes, and the family napkins and table cloths
6. polish silver, brass or copper (if you have these items)
7. carry in wood and lay fire (if you have a fireplace)
8. vacuum the inside of the car
9. wash the car.
10. do dishes
11. take trash out
12. straighten room