Getting Kids Involved With The Chores - Melissa's Story

by Melissa
(Pennsylvania, USA)

Chores For Kids

Taylor's introduction:

Everyone knows the equation, kids + play = mess. So, how do you get your kids involved in cleaning up that mess?

I think every parent struggles with that at some point, some perhaps more often than others.

I know I myself have struggled with this issue, because it can be difficult to get stubborn little bodies to do what you want, sometimes.

I have found routines and schedules can really help in this regard with myself, and also with my kids. When you know what is happening next, it is (sometimes) easier to get active participation.

Here is Melissa's story of how she is getting her kids involved in cleaning the house and getting the whole family involved in the cleaning schedule.

I would love to hear comments from you about suggestions for Melissa or others like her on how she can improve, and also what she is doing right. Everyone needs positive encouragement!

Melissa says:

I have a 3 year old boy, 5 year old girl, 12 year old girl in the household. I do have a boy turning 16 in a couple of weeks that lives with my mother.

I am a single mother and live in a big 5 bedroom house.

I have ADD and it is hard to keep track of things and getting things done.

It is especially hard when my 5 year old daughter has ADHD, 12 year old daughter has ADD, and my 16 year old has ADHD.

My two younger children are quick. They can go through the house like the Tasmanian Devil. I have TSS workers for my daughters.

12 Year Old Has A Chore Chart

It was so hard to find something to take away from my 12 year old daughter that she actually cared enough about to make sure she does her chores.

Finally it was going out with her friends.

She has a chore chart. This includes:

Run Sweeper (which means in living room, steps, hallway, her room, and bathroom)

Washing Dishes

Drying Dishes

Dusting

Sweeping and mopping the kitchen floor

Bathroom

Cleaning her room

Sweeping Porch

Washing her clothes

Chore Chart For 5 Year Old

I made a chore chart recently for my 5 year old daughter. I also made a rules list and responsibility list.

They are all posted on the wall at the bottom of the steps.

I go over these charts with my 5 year old every day. She is actually liking it. My 5 year old has chores like:

Clearing the kitchen table

Dusting

Picking up the toys

Taking the dust brush and pan and cleaning the kitchen floor

Puts her book bag, shoes with socks inside in the hallway when she comes in the door

Puts her dirty clothes in the hamper next to the washer
Makes her bed with help

Marbles As Rewards For The Younger Children

I have a marble jar for my 3 youngest. For every chore done they get a marble.

When they reach the amount of marbles required they get to either get something from the store or get a reward such as having a friend sleep over.

The younger the child the less amount of marbles needed.

My youngest gets marbles for basically cleaning up after himself.

I also give them a chance to earn extra marbles by doing something extra.

Rotating Chores And Showing You Also Participate In Cleaning Up

When my 12 year old washes the dishes I dry. When I wash the dishes she drys.

It is rotated for every other day.

My oldest daughter likes to keep her chore chart the same.

I actually have a chore chart for myself.

I look at my daughters' chore charts and see what they are doing and on what days.

I make the chore that they don't have that day my chore.

Weekly Family Cleaning And Chore Schedule

Every Monday we clean out the fridge and empty all the garbage cans throughout the house.

Tuesday is trash pick up day.

I also make a menu for the upcoming week on Saturday's. It really does help to make a menu. Then you know what you are having and you can make sure you have what you need ahead of time.

Sunday I like to go through my papers. I like to start off Mondays with a fresh start.

I get so many papers with 3 kids in school, bills, junk mail, etc.

Keeping Up With Chores Can Be Tough

I wanted to hire a professional organizer to help us get organized but there are none in my county.

I also wanted to hire a cleaner to come once or twice a week so I could spend time relaxing or spending time doing some fun things with my children. Hard to find.

I know this is long but I wanted to let you know how we do some of the things in our house that might help others.

Also I could not leave out Flylady. This does help also. I love the Riley Challenge for the kids. Check it out.

Taylor says:

I added the links for Flylady and the Riley Challenge Melissa was referring to, so you can check them out if you want to.

Also, please comment below, because I know we have all been there, done that, in regard to kids and chores.

Finally, you can share your own weekly cleaning schedule here, or read more weekly cleaning schedules already submitted here.

Photo by Sunrise Ottah