Cleaning the house can become a source of contention within the life of a family, and many people decide that the only way for everyone to win is to implement a chore system. When each family member is required to participate in keeping the house clean, the battles will subside and peace will return. Anyone can participate in chores that keep the house tidy while teaching life skills that will be useful for years to come.

1. List all chores

Use 3 x 5 index cards and write one household chore on each card. Write every imaginable chore down on a card including the ones both parents will complete. Walk through the house and evaluate the chores that must be completed in each room. Sit at the table with the stack of cards and write the desired frequency of the chore on one corner of each card.

2. Separate by frequency

Sort the index cards into daily, weekly, and monthly stacks. Certain rooms will require more attention based on the age of the family. When small children are in the home, special attention must be given to the floors to ensure they have a clean environment. Other chores will shift from weekly to daily depending on family needs.

3. Teach method

When children are learning to clean the house, spend time with each child to teach them the best method for completing the chore. Just telling a child to complete a chore can be daunting for them if they have not been shown how to do the work. Training time is invaluable for a child because they learn the importance of the work.

4. Work together

Spend time in the earliest weeks working with each child to complete their chores together. Slowly turn responsibility over to each child as they master the chore. Ask questions to ensure each child understands how each chore must be completed. Show each person how not to do the chore to prevent injury or damage to property. Teach them how to use cleaning solutions without waste.

5. Assign by age

When working with a child to teach them to complete a task, assess their actual ability to complete the chore. Each child matures differently and should be given age-appropriate chores to complete each week. A very young child can participate in cleaning the house by putting away toys and putting their dirty clothes in the hamper. Older children can take out trash and load the dishwasher. During the training time spent each week, ensure that the chores are assigned to the right person.

6. Reward completion

Many types of rewards will teach the children to complete their chores. Money is not the only way to reward the completion of chores each week. Being able to choose a family activity for the evening can be afforded to the child who completes their chores on time and well. Paying an allowance may or may not be the best method for the family. Use privileges as a reward for chore completion.

7. Respect activities

When older children have sports, club, and musical activities for school, the chore schedule should reflect your respect for their interests. The ability to trade responsibilities or ask someone else for help conveys the family’s interest in each person. Homework should be included in the time commitment of each child and chores must be adjusted to accommodate their schoolwork.

8. Require participation

9. Lead by example

Both parents should have assigned chores on the family chore schedule. When mom and dad have chores on the list, the children realize how much time and effort both parents invest to maintain the home. Parents can lead by example and complete their own chores early each day.

10. Offer to help

When a child is struggling to complete chores, work with them to assess the barriers encountered. When new chores are assigned, work with the child to teach them how each chore must be completed. Offer to help each child and complete the other parent’s chores. The objective is to clean the home and help every other person complete their assigned chores.

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