Getting Kids Onboard with Chores: Tips for a Cooperative Household

Chores are a necessary part of family life, but getting your kids to participate without the dreaded eye rolls can feel like an uphill battle. If you’re a parent of a big family like mine, where there are seven kids all vying for attention (and time!), it’s even more challenging. But with a bit of strategy, consistency, and creativity, you can get your kids involved in chores in a way that is fun, builds skills, and doesn’t end in dramatic protests. Here are some tips and real-life examples from our family that have helped us make chores a little less of a hassle.

1. Set Clear Expectations (and Make Them Fun)

The first step in getting kids on board with chores is setting clear expectations. If they know what is expected of them and why it matters, they’re more likely to participate willingly. But don’t make the mistake of overwhelming them with a long list of tasks. Instead, break it down into manageable pieces.

For example, we have a “Clean-10” game in our home. The rules are simple: we set a timer for 10 minutes and everyone has to stop what they’re doing and clean up 10 items. It’s amazing how much can be cleaned up in such a short amount of time. Even the youngest kids can join in by picking up toys, putting away shoes, or tidying their books.

This game makes cleaning feel like a challenge, and when it’s a game, the kids are much more excited to jump in. We can get a lot of work done in 10 minutes, and they love seeing how much we can accomplish together in such a short window.

2. Make It Age-Appropriate

Chores should always be age-appropriate to ensure kids feel capable and confident in their abilities. I remember when our youngest was just starting to get involved in chores. We didn’t expect him to vacuum the entire living room or tackle the dishwasher, but he could help wipe down surfaces or put dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Little by little, as they grow and gain confidence, their responsibilities can expand.

For instance, my older kids now help with tasks like vacuuming, mopping, and yard work. But for the younger ones, we keep things simple like sweeping the floor, folding towels, or helping set the table. As they accomplish smaller tasks successfully, they feel proud and empowered to take on bigger responsibilities.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key to encouraging kids to keep up with chores. Rather than focusing on what they didn’t do, make sure to praise the efforts they did make. Compliment their work, no matter how small, and encourage them to take pride in their contribution to the family.

In our house, we try to give lots of praise for a job well done. For example, after a big Saturday cleaning session, we’ll give the kids high fives and thank them for their hard work. This helps them feel that their efforts are seen and appreciated, which motivates them to continue doing their best.

We also have a family reward system where we earn points for completing chores. Points can be traded for family movie nights, extra screen time, or special outings. This gives the kids something tangible to work towards and turns chores into a more fun and rewarding activity.

4. Family Chores: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

One of the best ways to get kids onboard with chores is by making them a family affair. When everyone pitches in together, it doesn’t feel like a solitary task but rather a team effort. We have family chore days, especially on Saturdays, when we all tackle bigger projects like yard work, deep cleaning, or organizing the storage room and garage.

By doing this as a family, we set the example that chores are part of the collective responsibility of the household. Plus, working together fosters a sense of unity and teamwork, which is important for building family bonds. Sometimes we even make it a race, where the first person to finish a task gets to choose what we do for fun afterward!

5. Mix Skill-Building with Fun

Chores don’t just teach kids how to keep a tidy home; they can also be a great opportunity for skill-building. We try to mix practical tasks with fun elements. For example, when we’re doing yard work, I might teach the kids how to properly plant flowers or use the garden tools. This way, they’re learning useful skills while also participating in the work.

When it comes to cleaning the house, we turn tasks like folding towels into a mini folding race, where we see who can fold the most towels in one minute. It turns an otherwise mundane task into something that’s fun and motivating.

Final Thoughts

Getting kids on board with chores doesn’t have to be a battle. By setting clear expectations, making tasks age-appropriate, using positive reinforcement, and turning chores into a fun family event, you can create an atmosphere where everyone is involved, and even excited to contribute. The key is to keep it simple, consistent, and enjoyable—because when the whole family is working together, you’ll not only have a clean home, but you’ll also strengthen your family bonds along the way.