5 ways to get your kids to help at home (without losing your sanity)
5 ways to get your kids to help at home (without losing your sanity)
Tired of picking up after everyone? Wondering how on earth they’ll manage in the real world once they leave home?
It’s time to start asking your little ones to help out at home!
Not only will they be giving you a hand, but you’ll also be giving them the best start in life. A Harvard study found that children who do chores at home are more likely to succeed as adults. Chores help build confidence, resilience, and independence, essential skills for life.
I know, it’s often easier to just do it yourself rather than spend 30 minutes arguing your way through a storm of “Why do I have to?”, “It’s not fair!”, and other classic protest lines. That’s why I’ve come up with some tips to get them excited about helping at home and to turn chores into lasting habits.
1. Get them to notice – ask what needs to be done
Are you the only one who seems to see the dust on the bookshelves or the pile of clothes on the floor?
Don’t worry, you’re not imagining it, your kids have simply learned not to notice. Try asking: “What do you think needs tidying here?” It encourages them to look around and spot things for themselves. That simple question removes the need to nag, they’re now taking the initiative.
2. Don’t talk about helping – ask them to do their part
Words matter. The way you frame requests can completely change the response you get. When you say “Can you help me…?” you’re implying that the task is your responsibility. Instead, try “Can you do your part by…” it shows that the responsibility is shared and that they’re contributing to family life, not just “helping Mum.”
3. Challenge them
Kids are naturally wired to learn and progress, they love a challenge. Ask them to clean their room as well as you can, or see who can make their bed the fastest in the morning. Turning a task into a small competition gives it energy and purpose.
4. Let them take ownership
Give them one area that’s their responsibility. For my son, it’s clearing the table and loading the dishwasher. At first, he earned points for it on Groowble, but now it’s just his job, no complaints, no reminders.
Having their own task gives kids pride, control, and a sense of achievement. Even the way you phrase things can make all the difference. When I ask my son to “help” me make dinner, the answer is usually no thanks. But when I say, “Can you choose a meal and make dinner for us?” it’s an instant yes! He takes ownership, feels proud, and soaks up all the praise for a lovely meal.
5. Use Groowble to reward their efforts
When my kids know that points are on offer, they’re suddenly a lot more motivated! Use Groowble to make chores rewarding download our Chore Hero Plan and start turning good habits into fun, positive routines.