Chore time doesn't have to be full of power struggles, arguments, and complaining.  Kids can enjoy doing chores if you spice it up a bit with some fun and games.  Don't forget to keep a smile on when you're doing your own chores.  If you role model positive behavior, your kids will feel more enthusiastic about their chores.  

Check out the tips below to help you take the doldrums out of doing chores:

  • Start young.  Even toddlers can begin to have fun with chores.  Young kids love to imitate adults and play games.  Put this to good use when teaching your young ones about chores.  Find a toy lawnmower or vacuum cleaner.  Toddlers who are a bit unsteady on their feet love to have the support of a push toy while pretending to do chores right along with an adult.
  • Is your child learning to count?  Count objects that need to be picked up, such as pieces of clothing or toys.  You can count dishes or silverware as you put them away, or clean clothes as they go back in the dresser!
  • Basketball is a fun way to motivate kids to put small toys back into bins.  Take turns making "shots" into the bin and see who wins.  Or, try to get dirty laundry into a hamper the same way!
  • If you've ever loaded a dishwasher, you know what a puzzle it can be trying to fit dishes in just right.  Use that concept when teaching your kids how to load the dishwasher.  Make it a puzzle game and try to fit the pieces in with as little space left over as possible. 
  • Work together during chore time.  Time goes much faster when you apply a little teamwork.  Teach your kids how to work cooperatively to get those chores done and have parents pitch in, too!  Tell jokes to each other or put on a little music during chores to make the time fly by. 
  • Play beat the timer.  Have your children work together to race the timer by trying to pick up all their toys or clothes before the timer beeps. 
  • Teach your children colors by instructing them to pick up one color of toy at a time.  For example, pick up all the green toys first, then yellow, then red, etc.  Before you know it, they'll all be cleaned up!
  • Make use of your children's competitive spirit.  Have your children race to pick up stray objects around the house such as socks, newspapers, or toys.  Set a timer.  When the timer beeps, have the children return to you and count the objects they have collected.  The child with the most objects wins.  Have a reward handy for the winner such as a sticker or piece of candy.  Then, have all the kids put their collected objects away.
  • Give your kids some control over what chores they will be doing.  Have them help make up a chores list.  Write each chore on a small piece of paper and have the kids pick their chores for the week out of a hat. 
  • Use behavior bucks as an incentive.  Behavior bucks are substitute money.  Some online websites have printable behavior bucks or you can make your own.  Basically, the behavior buck can be given out like pay after the chore is complete.  Your children can save up behavior bucks and trade them in for rewards.  Rewards can be privileges, money, or little treats. 
  • Use a chore chart.  Chore charts are great tools to keep track of chores that need to be done for the week.  You can make your own chore chart or print one off online.  Have your kids create or pick their own charts.  Go to the store and have fun picking out chore chart stickers, markers, or crayons that your kids can use to mark off their charts. 
  • Have a brainstorming session with your kids.  Encourage your kids to think of ways to make chore time fun.  Once a week, have everybody meet to brainstorm new ideas for chore time.  Kids can be creative and think of games that adults may never consider.  Make a list of new games and try them out each week.
 
Remember, you don't have to dread chore time.  If you make it fun for your kids and give them some control over their chores, they will be much happier to pitch in!