Tips for Making Chores Easier

Make a Visual Chore Poster

Visual aids help kids see what is expected of them. A visual chore poster or chart can help kids stay on track. List each step of the chore with a picture next to it. You can also add a column for checkmarks or stickers so that kids can see their progress.

Break the Chore Down

Instead of giving your child a large job with multiple steps, give them a smaller part of the chore. For example, if the playroom needs to be cleaned, have your child just pick up their toys on the first day of the chore. The next day, you can have your child vacuum or sweep the room. On the third day, your child can wipe down the doors/windows.

Reinforce Efforts

Kids can be reinforced for their positive behavior in many ways. Whatever is motivating for your child can be used as reinforcement. Positive reinforcement (adding something desirable after a behavior to make the behavior more likely to happen again) can include: praise, high-fives, a family game night, money, screen time, tokens, stickers, etc.

Use First/Then Statements

It is common for kids to need a clear contingency to stay motivated. A first/then statement indicates what needs to happen first before the child can access something. A first/then statement can look like this: “First, put all of your clothes in the hamper. Then, you can go swimming in the pool.”

Model and Prompt

Kids watch everything others do! Show your child what you want them to do initially, and then gradually fade your support. You can use prompting strategies like most-to-least prompting (guide at first, then slowly back off as they learn the steps) and least-to-most prompting (let them try on their own at first and help with later steps).

Celebrate Consistency – Not Perfection

Your child might not fold towels the same way you do or put things away in the same order you would – and that is ok! If you praise their participation and efforts, you will help build a more positive association with chores rather than a negative one. This will help chores become more consistent in your household.