Ah, chores and kids. It’s the eternal struggle of every parent. You want to teach responsibility, keep your household running smoothly, and maybe—just maybe—catch a break yourself. But let’s be real: getting kids to willingly do chores can feel like an uphill battle.
Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be a constant tug-of-war. With the right strategies (and a little creativity), you can raise more independent kids, gain some extra free time, and even turn chores into something your kids won’t dread.
Top Chores Our Kids Actually Do
Every family’s list will look a little different. We poled our followers and here are some of the most age-appropriate chores their kids help with regularly:
Unloading the dishwasher: It’s quick, straightforward, and easy for even younger kids to manage. Plus, who doesn’t love fewer dishes piling up?
Sorting laundry: Turning socks into pairs is basically a matching game. (Pro tip: give them a time challenge!)
Feeding the pets: Our kids love the feeling of taking care of our furry family members.
Clearing the table: Bonus points if they manage to wipe it down afterward!
Taking out the trash: It’s simple, satisfying, and teaches responsibility for the spaces we share.
How to Make Chores Fun (Yes, It’s Possible)
The key to getting kids on board is finding out what motivates them and turning chores into something they can enjoy. Here are some ideas that have worked wonders:
Let them choose: Give your kids the freedom to pick their chores. Frame it as, “Choose something that helps the family.” This empowers them to feel in control and more invested.
Turn on the music: A cleaning dance party can transform tidying up into a mini celebration. Bonus: you might even find yourself enjoying it too!
Gamify it: Use timers, points, or friendly competitions to make chores feel more like a game. Who can fold the most shirts or sweep the fastest without missing a spot?
Incorporate a reward system: Whether it’s earning stickers, screen time, or a little extra allowance, find out what motivates your child and use it as a gentle incentive.
Tools That Help: The SkyLight Calendar
One of our favorite tools we’ve seen for keeping track of who’s doing what is the SkyLight Calendar. It’s a family-friendly digital calendar that’s easy for kids to understand and follow. Assigning chores to specific days and seeing it displayed in real-time makes expectations clear for everyone. No more "I didn’t know it was my turn!"
Photo from Skylight Calendar’s Website
The Big Picture
Ultimately, chores aren’t just about keeping the house clean. They’re about raising kids who are independent, capable, and know the value of contributing to something bigger than themselves. By participating in keeping the house tidy, kids learn to appreciate and value their living space. They see firsthand the effort it takes to maintain a home and grow a sense of pride in the spaces they help care for.
By making chores fun, approachable, and meaningful, you’re giving your kids skills that will serve them for life—and you’re making your own life a little easier in the process.
So, start small, get creative, and remember: you’re not just teaching your kids to unload the dishwasher. You’re teaching them to show up for their family and themselves. And that’s a win for everyone!
