A house full of children is bound to get messy from time to time and coming home to a place that looks like a bomb exploded is never pleasant.
The amount of chores can seem like a mountain and sometimes it is just not possible to keep on top of everything.
Mums often feel like they have to do everything themselves but this is not the case. School-going children are very capable of tidying up their toys, making their bed and even helping you put away laundry among other things.
We aren’t suggesting that you put them to work like in Annie but childhood chores are a great way to encourage responsibility in your children. You will be surprised how much our helpful tips can decrease your overwhelming housework.
Establish a chore chart
On a large piece of paper create a chart with the days of the week and the names of your children. Establish what chores you would like them to do each day and clearly mark it on the chart. This chart will help your children build a routine and figure out what little jobs they are responsible for.
Plan a reward system
Purchase some gold stars to stick onto your chore chart at the end of each day. Establish a reward such as a treat on Saturday or some extra video game time on a Friday night. Children are motivated by rewards and this will encourage them to keep on top of their designated chores.
Switch up the chore routine
By switching up the jobs every so often your children are less likely to become bored. It also creates a fair balance between your children so that one child does not feel he or she always has the harder job!
Set age-appropriate chores
Young children can be great helpers with easier tasks such as setting the table and unpacking your food shopping but it is not fair to expect much more from somebody so small. Don’t criticise your children if they aren’t doing a good job. Instead, nicely show them how it’s done and encourage them when they have finished.
Limit unnecessary possessions
If your playroom is a constant mess maybe it’s a good idea to empty it out. If your child does not play with a toy anymore there is no point in cluttering up your house and adding to the mess. Keep only a few toys so that if the playroom is messy, the thought of tidying it up is not overwhelming for your child.
