From the article: Use Chores to Teach Your Children Responsibility
For parents, getting kids to master responsibility is a chore. Kids, however, need the consistency of our expectations and rules. So what has worked for you? How do you get your kids to consistently do their chores? Share the strategies that have worked well in your house, including the use of chore charts, positive reinforcement, and consequences for incomplete chores. Share Your Strategy
Chore Lists Are a Must!
- Start teaching your children to do chores when they start to walk. For example, they can throw their own diaper away and get a new one as well. As they get older, help them pick up their toys, and then move toward them doing it on their own by rewarding them with a tiny treat. Always talk about how family is a team and try to work together. Of course, everyone messes up the house, so everyone has to take part in the cleaning. As the kids get older, they can help with larger chores, like putting forks in the dishwasher, bringing over the vacuum, dusting, etc. I also buy a large desk calendar or wall calendar to use as a monthly chore chart. My kids write all of their due dates on it, like when to turn in their picture money at school, so that it is their responsibility. We also use a highlighter to mark days off from school, half days, etc., so that they always know what is expected of them.
- —Guest tripletmom04
