Are you looking for ways of how to get kids to do chores at home? I’ve been there just trying to figure out how to get them to do them without complaining or putting them off. This is not a parenting blog, and I am not a parenting blogger. I do, however, have kids. I’ll share what worked for me to finally get my kids on board and do their chores regularly.

We all want to teach our children to be responsible people and contribute to household tasks. We also want them to one day be able to take care of themselves.
Use a Chore Chart
This worked for us because the kids could easily see precisely what they were expected to do each day, and there was no claiming they forgot or arguing whose turn it was to do what. You can print out the blank chore chart below (as many copies as you need), fill it in and place it on the refrigerator or a bulletin board or somewhere else in plain view where it is seen often.
Print one chart off for each child in your family. Fill in their name and put the list of chores that the child is responsible for each week.
Your children can check off the tasks each day as they complete them, or you can use stickers or stars or whatever you would like. Depending on what age your children are, use whatever motivates them to complete their chores best. I used little star stickers when my kids were younger, and as they got older, they would check the household tasks off.
Checking off their chores in whatever manner you decide on can give kids a sense of accomplishment. Just think of how good you feel when you are able to tick off all of the items on your to-do list. This is the same concept. Some kids will thrive on completing all of their tasks and checking them off. Give it a try and see if it helps to give your kids clarity, structure, and a sense of accomplishment. I know all kids are different, and this approach may not work for everyone, but it is worth a try!
Download the Chore Chart
You can download the chore chart by entering your email address in the space below. You will then be sent an email to confirm the address you provided. Once you confirm your address, you will be taken to the PDF print version of the chore chart to save to your computer and print off as many copies as you need.

Offer an Allowance or Reward for a Completed Chart
If you wish to, you can offer an allowance or reward each week for a fully completed chore chart. This always provided extra motivation to my kids to complete their chores each week. It was easier to have them want to do their tasks when they knew there was a reward at the end of each week. I know there is some debate around whether or not you should offer your kids an allowance. I am just showing it here as an option. I’m not arguing one way or the other for it.
Some Extra Tips for Getting Kids to Do Chores
1. Ensure that the chores you are assigning to each child are age-appropriate chores for that child. You want to be sure you are not giving them something overwhelming or too difficult for them to complete at their age. In the next section, there are some chores for every age group.
2. Consider how much time each of the chores you are assigning will take the child to complete. Some household chores take more time than others, and you don’t want to overwhelm the child by giving too many responsibilities that will take up too much of the child’s time to the point where they dread doing it or are too overwhelmed by the thought of it.
3. For younger kids, help them do their chores for a while. They will need to be taught how to do specific household tasks. Doing it with them for a time will ensure that they know how to do it properly before they set off on their own to complete the tasks.
4. Make sure you take the time to acknowledge your child’s accomplishments and thank them for completing their chores. I find that kids mostly want to please their parents, and showing them that you appreciate them is likely to make them want to continue to do their chores regularly.
5. Remain consistent in your expectations. If they are taking too long to complete their chores, don’t do it for them. Instead, remind them of their responsibilities and any consequences you have set if they have not completed them. This will allow them to realize that no one will do them for them if they don’t do their chores. They will realize that they should therefore keep up with their responsibilities.
6. Start assigning chores at a young age. Starting when your kids are young will make it easier to get them to do chores when they are older because they will already be in the practice of doing so.
7. Remember that not everything is going to be done perfectly. Things such as folding the laundry or making the bed may not be done as well as you would prefer. As long as my kids are putting forth the effort, I don’t want to criticize their work. I also let them know and praise them when they have done a good job. I also like to praise them when they do their chores independently without being asked or when they keep up with the chore chart.

Age Appropriate Chore Suggestions
Younger Children
When your children are young, they won’t be able to do most things themselves, but it is a great time to have them start helping you with different tasks.
2-3-year-olds can help pick up their toys and put them away. They can also start to help you make their bed. Kids this age can put their clothes in a hamper or laundry basket. They can also help you feed any pets.
4-5-year-olds can start doing things like taking dirty dishes from the table and putting them in the sink, watering plants, raking leaves, making their bed with less help or no help, and the same things that they could do as 2-3-year-olds.
School-Aged Children
By the time children start school, they are already comfortable with doing chores and on their way to be capable of doing even more around the house. They can now do most of the tasks they have already been doing, but without your help.
6-7 year-olds can usually start making their bed independently (although it may not be perfect). They can begin sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping the floor, taking out the trash (with your help), folding laundry (may still need help – but it is an excellent time to start teaching them). Kids this age can also help to make dinner. They can also clean their rooms.
8-10 year-olds are starting to become more independent. They can help with laundry and dishes, continue to make their bed, and clean their rooms. You can teach them to do more difficult chores at this age, such as cleaning the bathroom.
Pre-Teens (between 11-12) can do many of the things they have been helping you do. But now they can start doing them independently. They can vacuum or mop floors, dust furniture, change bedsheets, prepare simple meals, clean windows, and mirrors, and do the dishes.
Teenagers
Teenagers are starting to prepare for adulthood, so you will want to teach them as many necessary skills as possible. By the time they move out or go to college, you want them to be able to take care of their home and themselves properly.
Thirteen-year-olds can continue with the chores they have been doing, such as making their beds and doing dishes. They can also begin to do their own laundry. Consider having them start doing things they will have to do as an adult. These things can include ironing their clothes, mowing the lawn, replacing the bag on the vacuum cleaner, and changing light bulbs. Have them help you with minor repairs around the house so that they can learn how to do them.
14-15-year-olds can continue learning life skills. They can start babysitting and preparing more complicated meals. Continue to let them help you with any repairs that come up as these will be much-appreciated life skills after they move out.
16 and up – By the time kids are 16 or 17 years old. They should be able to do everything you are doing. Consider having them do things such as cleaning out the refrigerator, doing any housework or yard work, washing cars, making grocery lists, and going grocery shopping. They can also do deep cleaning tasks around the house.
By helping out, kids are learning to do things on their own. By the time they are ready to move out of the house, you can be confident that they are well prepared.
Conclusion
Using a chore chart with clearly assigned tasks each week helps a child understand exactly what is expected of them. They will know what household tasks they are responsible for. The chart also provides a bit of motivation by checking off each item each day. If you wish to offer an allowance or a reward for completing weekly chores, this can provide extra motivation for your kids to complete their chores.
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