Whatever you decide to give your children as their first chore around the house, there are some common things you should keep in mind. This is still very new to them, after all, and as such you need to keep things in perspective with both assigning the tasks and overseeing the results. In other words: walk your children through their chores, for the first few weeks. Help them, don’t just say “Go clean the steps”. Take them to the steps and show them. Then supervise them. Then show them that you have enough trust to allow them now take over that task on their own.
First off, decide what you want to give them. I love this chore list from Merry Maids with the #MMKidsAmbassador program. I am partnering with them today to share some tips & give away some great things!
During the summer, parents can struggle to find a steady routine to fill their kids’ day with fun activities, while also keeping a clean household,” says Debra Johnson, a Merry Maids home cleaning expert. “By simply combining the two, turning chores into games and offering small rewards, parents can get kids excited about cleaning and, at the same time, help them learn how to take on more responsibilities.”
The “Merry Maids Kid Ambassador” tips provide fun ideas for getting kids involved and excited about cleaning up the most common kid-made summer messes.
Other Things to Remember When Assigning Chores
- Do not expect perfection. They are kids. This means they are learning and often make mistakes. As such never expect your children to do tasks flawlessly, especially the first few times. If you notice that certain surfaces have not been dusted, or there’s still a toy hidden in the corner, just clean it up yourself and say nothing of it. If you notice these things occurring regularly, just point it out to your child the next time they are doing the task.
- Ease your child into chores. Don’t just hand them a mop and expect them to get cleaning immediately. Instead, the very first few chores should be done with you present and helping them. Kids learn best through imitation, and having you on hand to show them how it is done will allow them to pick it up more easily.Further, it allows you to show your children exactly how you want the chores to be done, which makes things easier for everyone. This applies for any new chores you’ve given them too.
- Be generous with praise. This is for your kids as much as for a cleaner home. Whenever your child has done their chores, praise them for being so helpful.If they do an especially good job, or they’ve done a bit more than they usually do, give them an extra bit of praise or even a small treat (see below). Such positive reinforcement will ensure they are more enthusiastic about their chores.
- Make it routine. We do chores every day and if lunchtime has come and they haven’t done them yet, we remind them. I don’t let them “skip days”. If so, they may decide that they can just leave it alone until someone else does it.
- Make it fun. Give the kids a cleaning kit (you can win one from Merry Maids… check out the details below) and let the kids pack it full of their favorite cleaning things. (Our oldest son likes to use cleaning gloves, while our youngest son is happy as long as he has the green cleaning rag.)
I asked him to show me what was inside…
Other ways to make it fun…
Instead of yelling about the mess, plan a treasure hunt. A treasure hunt with fun clues and a prize is the perfect way to get kids involved and reward them for their efforts.- Make notecards with easy clues that lead to a chore.
- Once each chore is complete, hand out another clue. At the end of the hunt, give a grand prize and runner-up prizes.
- The reward for parents? A clutter-free home.
- Merry Maids experts Jane Santos and Tim Griess both recommend a “Toy Jail;” a basket where toys go if kids don’t pick them up and mom or dad have to clean up the clutter. The toys can be returned to kids only when they finish their chores.
- Think about allowance.
This is something you have to decide for yourself. Do you want to offer an allowance and then stop buying things when you are out “just because” or do you want to keep doing that and tell them that it is because they helped you, so now you are helping them. It is a toss-up and there isn’t a “right” answer.We just started an allowance. Each child gets money and they can keep a few dollars to spend, but the rest goes into a “fund” for their activities (Ex: guitar lessons, buy new spikes for football, etc…)Mary Ann Jernigan, Merry Maids expert, suggests having each chore equal a dollar amount kids can earn and spend on their favorite things. If kids stick to the chart and complete chores for a week, take them on a fun field trip
Another easy system:
If you want to start chores with your kids, but not have to deal with a chore chart, try these. We have them & they are easy and they are “normal” chores, like sweep the floors, dust, clean up the living room, etc… It makes it easy to say “Ok everyone – go grab 2 chore sticks and then you are done and you can go play.”You can find them with my affiliate link here–>> https://amzn.to/2qcNEei
Heather Hernandez says
This is a great list and super helpful. My son would love his own cleaning kit in his size! He loves to help when he can.
Pan says
I’d love to win a free cleaning from Merry Maids!
Pan says
My daughter loves cleaning with me… we’d love the mom and kid kits!
Lydia says
This is a perfect way to get the kiddos involved with being responsible and teaching them how to be self sufficient before they leave the nest.
Terri says
I started giving the kids chores in the last year. It’s hard to let go and have to redo some things, but so worth it when I end up with at least one less thing to do (folding laundry!)
Amanda Long says
My son loves to help but I’m often the bad one… With working from home it’s so hard to find the balance of cleaning, parenting and working. I just love these tips. Thanks Becky.
Keri says
My kids love to help clean! They may not last long, but I always have little helpers. Thanks for the chance to win!
Arpita says
I love this list!
Rose-Anna says
This makes life so much easier! I love to be organized and have my kids organized as much as possible this would be fantastic for my kids to have there own, maybe they would like to help me out more with cleaning knowing its there own kit ?
Shelly T says
This is great advice! I need to get my 10 year old to do more chores.
Kristen says
I would love to win the housecleaning for my mom.
Yamirka Grisales says
I would love to win a Merry Maids kit or cleaning!!! Djring the summmer I have being using the “No screen time until…” that you posted. It has been very helpful. The kids are cooperstive and have enjoyed doing chores and their responsibikities. Thank you!
Alicia says
Great ideas for getting and keeping little ones helping with house chores. I would love to be able to see the tricks and techniques of a professional cleaning service, lol, I would glove up and scrub with ’em! 😉
Jackie G. says
One way to make it more fun is I challenge the kids to see if they can finish the task before I count down to zero. (I start at a high number to ensure they succeed, or I slow down the counting.) I also help or work beside them to make them feel like we’re a team to try to finish our goal.
Kelly :) says
I appreciate the wisdom on kids and chores….I am sure some organization in this part of our lives would go a long way to creating more streamlined and less chaotic atmosphere. Sigh….gonna get there one day! 🙂
Kemi says
I like to clean my own home but would love to win the mom/kid kit
Shelley Goff says
My 3 year old grandson MJ stays with me while his Mom & Dad are working. He loves helping Nana clean! He would absolutely love to have his very own cleaning kit! His Nana would love the free Merry Maid’s cleaning, but would gladly pass it up to be able to give him his own cleaning kit. The quality time spent cleaning with him would be more valuable than free maid service anyday!
Ana P. says
Very helpful tips to involve the children in daily chores. Thank you!
Alta says
Awesome tips. Thanks!
Robin says
We have tried chore charts and having a cute kit for cleaning supplies. Maybe if they each had their own kit with the supplies appropriate for their age related chore?? That might work.
Kathy Bennett says
I really enjoy reading the article being a grandma raising a 3 a 6 and a 9 yr old it’s a lot of work and knowing what task to assign is very helpful
Adria Roach says
I wish I had given my 8 year old chores a long time ago. This summer I really enforced them. Thanks for the list!!!
Katie says
What a terrific list! My children would love to possess their own cleaning kit(s)!
Lashonda says
I would love to win some environmentally safe cleaning products that I can explore for the first time with the kids.
Beatriz says
This would be awesome for my just turned 4 year old!
Nickie says
With two boys under two, sometimes it’s hard to keep things clean. Especially with my 18 month old constantly trying to grab the broom, dustpan, or mop and “help”. To win either of these would be so helpful!
wen budro says
Very useful post with great ideas. I like the treasure hunt with note cards idea. I also find that being generous with the praise is a good thing. I think that applies to spouses as well. Everyone wants to feel appreciated and helpful.
Sara says
Fun and practical ways to get kids involved and feeling good–while cleaning! Miracles happen!
Pamela Berkeypile says
Great ideas. I’m trying to figure out how to introduce chores to my 4 yo and these offers great tips. Fingers crossed i win 🙂
Jill Stockstill says
Great tips on easing the kiddos into chores.
Michelle says
We have just started chores with my 3 year old and she’s doing so well!
Marra Schmude says
Do you have suggestions? I have tried so many different things to get my kids to clean and help stay organized. I have tried individual caddies for different chores, I have tried reward systems, I have gone into the room and specifically listed what needs to be done and they get to cross it off themselves and nothing seems to work. They either make more of a mess or just play. I have an 8yr old boy and 2 girls 4 & 7
Robin says
We can’t wait to implement all of your amazing tips. A free cleaning would be fabulous!
Kande says
I have been looking for a kid sized cleaning kit and hope to get our girls started with chores soon!
Danielle Mcadams says
I can always appreciate helpful tips and reminders for cleaning a house with 3 kids. He hard part is consistency and how to get them to help regularly.
Sonja says
Our kids do help with the chores.
Jen says
My kids would love to win their own cleaning kit. They love to help & always fight over who does what chores.
Melissa Lynch says
My girls love having their own supplies to clean. I would love to have someone come in to help clean. ?
jessMN says
We are in the middle of a DIY absent renovation and the rest of the house has been neglected! I’d love some cleaning help!
Susan Campbell says
What a great list and giveaway. I have a 4 year old boy that loves to clean.
Damjana says
Hi, arranging a toy treasure hunt works great in our home too! (We actually do find treaseers because our little one has a sharp eye when peeking under the sofa and behind doors – I don’t 🙂
Kim says
Great tips!
Liz says
I really like the idea to give an allowance but keep part of the money in a fund for activities like gymnastics or dance class! I think I’m going to try that one! My kids don’t mind helping clean. Usually when I ask them they take all day to do it, but when their dad asks then it’s done right away. If I go somewhere & dad is with the kids I come home to a clean house. I do t know how he does it! But he’s more of a clean freak than I am?
Laura Zaiglin says
Great tips for kids to be involved
Robin I says
Great tips for getting children involved and even interested in chores around the house! Thank you! And I’d love to win!
Connie Saenz says
I love this because I find myself doing the chores myself rather than taking the time to explain or teach my kids. Patience!!
Melissa Perdue says
Would love to win :o)
Julie Ryan says
Hi…my son is 6 and the silly kid just likes to stand to eat…usually wanting to get back to playing asap. So more food seems to end up on the kitchen floor than his mouth. Now I keep a small dustpan/broom close by and that’s his job…clean up and put crumbs in trash. He likes his own cleaning supplies. But this Mommy would LOVE a professional house cleaning. I am working on decluttering my house but the dust/dirt keeps getting worse…lol
Kelly says
We start with chores from the time the kiddos can walk. Folding laundry and putting it away is an easy early chore. Teaching them to do a chore instead of doing it myself takes some time, but it pays dividends quickly when they can accomplish a portion of the cleaning themselves and everyone pitches in.
Julie Ryan says
I like buying new cleaning products as a motivation to clean…new towels, spray, etc.
Kimber says
My kids would love to have their car own cleaning kit! Such a wonderful idea! And I would love to win a cleaning for the house too! A little help is always appreciated ?
Melissa Juvinall says
We would love this!
Sarah Buescher says
It is such a great reminder not to expect perfection from them, they are still learning. Thank you for sharing these tips.
I would love to win a cleaning kit.
Laura Simmons says
My daughter is now 8. We have included her in helping and pitching in as long as I can remember. One thing we do is separate things to be done into 2 categories. The first being Family Responsibilities (no payment is received for taking care of ourselves and the pets we love). These are every day maintenance things such as feeding the dogs, taking care of dishes, putting away laundry. The second is Chores. These are things that she helps with that earns her a few dollars here and there, or a special treat. This would be the dusting, grabbing garbage from bathrooms, helping with yard work, wiping counters, dishes, etc. It seems to work for us.
Nina R. says
I really need to get my kids to doing chores everyday. It hasn’t happened too much this summer although the kids know that if the house is mostly clean, there’s more time to play and it makes Mommy happy!
Thanks for the chance to win free cleaning!
Becky says
What great ideas to get our kids motivated to help out! We will try a few to see if we can make chores more fun – as putting toys away often turns into playing with toys and not putting anything away.
Megan K Rowden says
I find that if I make it fun my children do not mind doing chores. I made a chore board anf thru like to move the checkmark around. They also know that if they do their chores all week then we do something fun for the weekend.
Megan says
My 18 month daughter loves to help me vacuum and dust! She also helps us clean the table after dinner <3
Ashley James says
This would be a wonderful win! My husband does the lion’s share of cleaning & we need to give our kids more responsibility! One thing I know we need to do is not expect perfection. If it’s done pretty well & we didn’t have to do it, we should be happy!!
Carolyn Stockdale says
Love the list! My little guy likes to help so I appreciate the guidance on how to keep it fun and positive.
Ashley James says
What a boon this win would be!! My kids don’t mind doing some chores, but we need to be better about consistently assigning them. Love the chore chart!
Lindsey K. says
This is a perfect start for my 4 and 7 year old. They both love to help others so I feel this is a great way to ease into helping mom and dad around the house, no matter how small the task! Thanks!
Amy Greenman says
I am always looking for ways to make my kids more independent and helpful (not oblivious to what goes into taking care of what we have). So far they are really enjoying cleaning with me but I want to keep it fresh and fun as long as I can! Thanks for the tips, would love a cleaning kit to make sure they can clean without a lot of chemicals.
Mary says
Great ideas! Boy, could I use a cleaning service!
I also like to cheat at chores. Here are some of the ideas I use. http://simplynatureplusnurture.com/2015/11/09/cleaning-tips/
Meghan Wallace says
My kids love to help around the house and I think they would absolutely love to get a cleaning kit! 😀
Courtney Kistemann says
My little one likes helping me clean but after the week we’ve had (momma had the flu and a bad UTI that landed her in the ER) I so need merry maids to come out.
Lisa McGrath says
LOVE the chore list from Merry Maids!
It reminds me that my kids (ages 8, 16, and 19) are actually capable of doing a lot more than I ask from them!
Heather says
I like the idea where you tell the kids that when they help you out, you help them out instead of paying an allowance. Thank you for this chance to win. We’re about to begin the process of selling our home and I would love some extra help.
Calli says
My oldest kid is finally getting old enough to start helping around the house but I’ve had a hard time directing his efforts. Thanks for this.
Natasha McLaren says
These are great tips and I love including my son’s in our everyday housework. Thanks!
Maggie says
I am just getting started with a chore “system” at home. It is fairly simple and working well int he first week, but I need to incorporate the rewards or I know it will fizzle out fast! I think the kids would enjoy having their own cleaning caddy!
Tara says
I would love to win this! Anything to help my chaotic life have more order…
Deanna says
My 3 and 5 year old both love cleaning the bathrooms for some reason! They help with clearing plates, unloading the dishwasher, putting away laundry etc. I should come up with lists for them though.
Heidi says
Free cleaning? Who doesn’t need that? My kids help fold laundry, clean bathrooms, load the dishwasher and cook. So nice!
Christine says
I love the idea of putting socks on my 3 year old’s hands so he can help me dust. I’m betting he’s going to think it’s a lot of fun! Last week I gave him a bottle sprayer with some water in it and he helped me clean….only problem was he kept forgetting to wipe the water with a towel after he sprayed, so I kept ending up with little spots of water everywhere and paper towels strewn about! I’m loving the sock dusting idea!
Flor Jimenez says
I am mom to three kids and I love the tips that you share with us.
This are very interesting and great help with the kids.
I’m in the process for give chores in the house with the kids and I think this is good idea for make the chores very easy and fun.
Kimberly Dorner says
With my husband being deployed and the my 3 lids home for Summer break having these cleaning kits would be awesome to aid in the household chores. But having a nice deep clean by Merry Maids would be a nice for me and would be nice to have before Dad returns home. Thanks for the opportunity!
Becky says
Great tips! I find I’m not consistent enough because it’s so much easier to do things myself!
Chaunie Brusie says
Um, I definitely need this!!! This would be a game changer as a WAHM of four. 🙂
April Dangerfield says
I love the idea of the cleaning kit for each kid. I think I’m going to have to implement that with mine, so they can feel more ownership towards the chores.
Emily says
My favorite tip is: Make it routine. That is so true! There are way less battles when children are in a routine of doing something!
Liz Lauterbach says
Thanks for the tips! My son loves to help and clean, it would be so much more if he had his own set of cleaning items to help him…help us. The idea of having a cleaning crew one in and clean for us is a dream. Not sure though if there is a merry maids here by us in the twin cities. Thanks!
Megan Cafaro says
It would be amazing to win the cleaning caddy and mini caddy!My son loves to try and help me clean even at 13 months. He has a little broom and though he doesn’t get to much accomplished it makes me feel so great when he tries to help. I can just imagine him with a little caddy to help with. These are such amazing tips!! Thank you!!
Kimberly Annette Roberts says
I love this!! What a great way to include the kids and teach them in a fun way!
Kate Keller says
Thanks Becky, looking for a list of chores on the web is how I found your blog a few weeks ago. It’s good for me to remember I need to look at the end goal of parenting as we pursue chores. There is a much bigger picture then having some help for a cleaner home.
Wanda Tracey says
This is an awesome list and I can’t wait to implement these ideas into our routine.
We love cleaning and staying organized, but this kit would really help to make things
a little more fun.Thank you for this!! 🙂
Kris Cipparrone says
These are great ideas! Will definitely use them to motivate my kids. And the cleaning kits would be fun for them to win!
Sarah says
Would love to win
Sara says
Lov the article ??, i always want my kids to help me with cleaning. This article gave me more detailed info about how actually we can get them to help ang keeping them motivated ! I would love to have a cleaning kit and now will work more on gettong kids involved in the task ???
Erica says
My almost two year-old loves to help unload the dishwasher. Of course I have to help with breakable things and hand wash the sharp things… But it’s worth it because she looks forward to it like any other fun activity!
Christy Knight says
We just recently started having the kids clean more and it has been great to do it as a family!
Tawnya Gardner says
My 2 year old loves to help me with things around the house, this would be perfect for him!!!
Kim D says
Sounds great!
Shelle says
Thanks for the opportunity. My house could use an overhaul!
Stephanie Williams says
Any help with cleaning is greatly appreciated ☺
Carol says
I would love to have them come in and help me clean my house. I had a heart transplant and ever since then I can’t get my house in order! It’s been so long that I can say that I’m proud of how my house looks. I’m so overwhelmed form it all.
Berenice says
Thank you for such great ideas. I would love to get my boys to help me out!
Tracy says
Great Tips! My 4 year old is a great helper but I am just overwhelmed. A Merry Maids house cleaning would be a great fresh start to get me back on track.
Becca says
If only MOM could be consistent in asking them to help – AND, be okay with the quality of their work. 🙂 (5 year old and 3 year old twins here)
Andrea D says
I love the idea of doing a cleaning kit for my little ones! They love to try and help around the house. Great idea!
Katrina Wilson says
This is a great list and super helpful. My kiddos would love their own cleaning kit that fits their size! My twins LOVE to help with chores. I think it’s great that there are tools in their size to be able to help along with me.
Samantha says
I love the idea of giving an allowance. We have bee working with John to put his toys away since he was about 2. Most days he does great. Thank you for sharing the list.
Brittany Burchfield says
Great ideas, hoping to start chores after we get back into the school schedule!
Adrien says
What great information! This provides encouragement for later when my little one is old enough to have chores, but also good information for little family members who are learning responsibility. Thank you for your blog 🙂
Naomi H says
We just started an allowance system this summer too. Still working the kinks out, but I have certainly enjoyed more helping hands around the house!
Becky (Your Modern Family) says
read this http://yourmoderndad.com/allowance-money-idea/ 🙂