Parents, first off, I am so sorry that you’re going through this like the rest of us, but with kids. Now, don’t get me wrong: I love kids! I worked with children for multiple years. I taught swimming lessons and worked at a summer daycare. But, after all, was said and done, those kids went home with their lovely parent/s. I, personally, can’t imagine what it’s like going through a pandemic, working from home, and taking care of children. So, I did a little research on what people are doing to get their little munchkins working (at chores) during quarantine.
First things First: Schedule
Like most of us, children have also lost their day-to-day schedule. They aren’t getting up every morning and going to school, preschool, or daycare. They get up and stay home, like you. Creating a type of schedule that is similar to their regular days seems to be of the utmost importance. Parents and children (depending on the age of course) should plan their schedule together so that they feel like they have a bit of control in this situation.
Clean-Up … Clean-Up
When I was younger, I was quite diligent on chores because I knew that waiting for me was my favorite TV show or playing with my best friend. But this was during the late ’90s and not during a pandemic. So, how do you get your kiddos to do their chores? Here are a few tips I found:
- Stop Distractions – Often times when a child isn’t doing their chores it’s because they are distracted by “fun” things. While building your schedule, make time for chores and then a time for fun.
- Timing Chores – Setting a time limit for chores. This can be fun, but also effective! Most children love competition and games. You can also make chores game-like by giving points after each chore is done. Then reward them after getting X number of chores done.
- Technology is King – Today’s world is all about technology and we should use that to our advantage. One fun chore trick I found was “For Today’s Wi-Fi Password” – this is a list of chores your child must do before they get the new Wi-Fi password of the day.
- Choice – Giving your child options as to what chores they get to do may make things a bit easier. I’ve seen large popsicle sticks labeled with chores for a child to choose from. That way it may make the child feel like they are the ones who chose to do chores.
- Scavenger hunt – Everyone loves a good scavenger hunt so, let’s make it chore-centered. Perhaps have your child search for an item you know has been misplaced and get them to find it and return it to its proper location.
- A Little Bribe – This may sound a little risky, but an occasional incentive may get the job done. The older kids may be motivated by earning the day’s Wi-Fi password. The young’uns might require something sweeter.
While researching this, I found out that there are many ways to get your kids to do their chores. Like, a lot. These are just some that I, a childless person, found notable. Whether you have ten children or one fur baby, all they are looking for is your best. I bet they are happy to be spending a little more time with the person/people they look up to most (well, maybe).