Our kids are well and truly at an age where they can help out with various household chores and house cleaning jobs - now being 11 and 8. I have been surprised to discover that a lot of my kids friend's parents' don't get them to do much in the way of housework, if any.
But you can often see in those parents, who don't get their more-than-capable kids to lift their weight, much higher stress levels. One mum said to me recently "You're so good at getting your kids to do chores around the house. I should too." To help encourage her to follow through with this, I added "Getting the kids to help out around the house, equates to a less stressed mum." to which she said as the penny dropped "Yeah - I'm a stressed Mum!" At the end of the day, getting kids to do some housework benefits not only you but them too." Getting your kids to understand this helps in getting them to do their fair share without too much resistance.
Your kids probably won't be thrilled with having to all of a sudden do household chores if they have never had to do them before, but it's never too late to start and they will come around....albeit eventually for some. You may well need to tie in non-payment of pocket money and other repercussions if you encounter too much non-compliance. You are creating a rod for your own back if you do not instill a level of personal responsibility of tidiness and cleanliness into your kids. What sort of house mates let alone partners and subsequently parents will they make without such guidance and participation early on.
So if you are one of those martyr mums who does 'everything' but also complains about it, start to spread the load and become a less stressed and happier mum as a result. It really is a win-win situation.
For more tips on how to get the family on board housework and keeping their things organized click here.Claire McFee Creator Organize Your Life Organizers
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2 comments:
It is definitely true, convincing kids to do housework seems impossible. Unlike you, my daughter is just turning 4 this October and its very difficult just to get her put away her toys. But recently I did some personal goal setting with her and it works. I have started to give her reward everytime she helps me at home even if its just as simple as watering the plants. The bonus part is that we get to play while doing the chores and it suddenly becomes a bonding moment for us (well.. yeah not all the time). Great blog! Keep it up
Thanks Anne. I love your organizing and goal tips when it comes to kids and chores and how to help get them to do them! It's worth the effort and complaining from them in the end isn't it!
Claire McFee Author and Creator Organize Your Life Organizers
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