Why Kids Need Chores & How To Get Them Done: Part I

Why Kids Need Chores & How To Get Them Done.


                                   Part I

                                                  by Susie E. Caron ©7/26/2015

Do you get into a struggle every time you ask your kids to do their chores? You know you are not alone. Could you use a little assistance to get your kids to cooperate, get chores done faster and even more happily? I will give you 5 steps that help with that.  However, it will never be easy for you to consistently persevere through 18 years of their delays, complaints and lack of full cooperation, if you don’t keep clear in your mind the really good reasons for making them do their chores. So this week, let me show you five reasons why kids need regular chores.

5 Reasons Kids Need Regular Chores.

1. Kids need to exercise their responsibility muscles.
Your kids will not learn how to do the dishes, laundry, take out the trash or clean the cat litter box if you don't teach them, and expect them to practice these responsibilities themselves. Muscles grow when exercised. Make plans for them to exercise responsibility, (And never give up, or they may grow up 'irresponsible'.) 
2. Kids need to feel that you believe in them and trust them. 
It feels good to be trusted, and it’s up to you to give your kids lots of opportunities for you to believe in them.  Practice telling them, " I believe in you and I know you can do this." and "I trust you to finish what you begin." etc. Besides, you want to be able to trust them. Remember, if a person is trustworthy in little things, they are more likely trustworthy in big things. So give them a chance by doing chores to gain your trust. (And never give up.)
3. Kids need to recognize privilege is preceded by responsibility. 
This is a big life lesson. As an adult, you know if you don't make car payments, you'll lose the privilege of owning your car. First you buy and pay for it. While you carry this responsibility, you also get to drive it. This is how the world works. Teach your kids, the more responsibility you carry, the more privileges you receive.  (And never give up.)
4. Kids need to get more privileges as they demonstrate responsibility.
This is the sister to #3. But, kids worry most that you will 'add more responsibility' without seeing that they are also gaining lots of new privileges. You have to continue to point out to them that their privileges are the RESULT of their demonstrations of responsibility and not just a 'right of growing older.' (And never give up.)
5. Kids need to feel they contribute to the family well-being, which is real practice for later contributions to their community. 
Kids don't get this one because they believe instinctively that the house is yours and you are totally responsible for it and all the chores. After all, they'll tell you, they 'didn't ask to be born'. However, you may remind them that while that may be true, now that they are here, their contributions to chores actually improve family life for all of you. 

I know getting kids to really do chores is difficult sometimes and often seems easier to just do them yourself. However, when you keep your 'reasons' clear in your mind it is much easier to endure the pain while ensuring the kids do their chores. The benefits far outweigh the difficulties.

Next week, as promised I’ll give you five steps that help you get your kids to do their chores with less fuss and more cooperation, so you can all have more fun.


What do you do to successfully get your kids motivated? Leave me a comment about it.
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Twee' Means You and Me &
Together we can build great kids.
Susie E. Caron

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