5 Steps That Help Kids Get Their Chores Done Fast

5 Steps That Help Kids 
Get Their Chores Done Fast

(Part II of Why Kid's Need Chores &
 How to Get Them Done.) 

by Susie E. Caron © 8/2/15

In my previous post I wrote about 5 important purposes you want to keep clearly in mind when you ask your kids to do their chores. With these essential reasons you will be better equipped to be consistent.  However, I know that getting their cooperation can be a struggle. So this week I list the 5 steps that help your kids to quickly do their chores. The result is less time, less stress, and more fun for you all. 


5 steps to help kids get their chores done quickly.

1. First schedule a specific 'chore time.' 

That's right. Make a time each week during the school year for kids to do their chores. Saturday morning is a good choice, for example, before they get to play or relax or go anywhere. In the summer it's okay to give kids a few more daily chores. But throughout the school year, asking them to do more than make their beds, carry their dishes to the kitchen and pick up their toys before bed could be too many. It depends on their ages of course, but be reasonable. 

2. Set a Timer.

Don't let it drag on all day. Kids get distracted just like you do. Before 'chore time' take away all their electronics. Keep the TV and video games off until the timer rings. You could allow them to play music as long as they don't disturb the others.

3. Provide an incentive for them on chore day.

This is preferably something they can do with you, but other activities work well too. Provide something that they enjoy. Make cupcakes, take them out for lunch after grocery shopping, or play a board game, etc. It isn’t bribery it’s common sense. 

4. Explain that when they do their chores quickly that makes more time for fun.

Remind them about all the good things they will get to do. These are things they like to do in their free time including activities they do by themselves, or with siblings and friends.

5. What if they don't get their chores completed before the timer rings?

 First visit them and figure out what caused the delay and adjust either your            expectations or theirs. Here are two good ways to address non-completion.


   A.  Adjust your expectations. Either change the amount of time allowed, or reduce              the number of chores you expect to be completed. This depends on the child's
         age or ability. 

  B.  Adjust their expectations: If they are simply not cooperating, 
       then a natural consequence may be necessary.


           1.  Reset the timer, once, just for this child, and allow the other kids to play
                video games, or to do something fun with you. Your child will 
                most likely finish chores quickly in order to join the others.

           2.  If more time isn't available that day, (or you don't want to reset).


                Tell your child,

                "Chore time is up and since your chores didn't get done in the allowed
                time, you will not be able to do something that you want to do this week." 

                Wait for it, and carry out your plan when your child asks you to let 
                him or her do x, y, or z that week. 

               Then simply say,

              “No, You lost that opportunity for this week because your chores didn't 
                get done on time." 

                Be specific about this. It works much better than saying "You're grounded." 

                One more thing. Don't give in to pleadings like, "I'll do them right now. Then                   will you let me do x, y, or z?"  

               Just respond like this,

               "No, but I know you'll do better on our next chore day so you won't 
                miss out on what you want to do."


As you make a habit to practice these 5 steps, and keep in mind the 5 important reasons why you want your kids to do chores in the first place, you will find it all becomes easier. Then you and your kids will do chores with in less time, with less stress, and ultimately have more fun together.


What ideas have you found work with your kids? I'd love to hear from you. 
Leave a comment or question below and please, always share with your friends.


Remember, Twee' Means You and Me and
Together we can raise great kids.
Susie 

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