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Do your children have their own chores? Do they do them? I need help!

30 replies

BercowsFlamingoFlownTheNest · 22/02/2020 12:53

I have 3 children who are very messy. They are 5, 11 and nearly 13. I expect the older two to keep their rooms reasonably tidy ie bed made and clothes put away if clean, and in the wash basket if dirty, used glasses to be out in the dishwasher. I've also tried to get them to clear the table and load the dishwasher and wipe the sides after dinner each night but they do it about o cow a fortnight and moan like hell.
The 5 year old is not too bad for 5 really and to be fair doesn't have good role models in his older siblings as they dump shoes and coats in the hall instead of putting the in the shoe cupboard and hanging up their coat.

I've tried drawing up a list of responsibilities with them, tried reward systems, taking away devices. Nothing seems to work and I'm exhausted at doing everything myself.

They always claim they didn't hear me or didn't realise I was talking to them or some other excuse. Even if I'm right there in front of them.

If your dc have chores how do you get them to do them consistently?

OP posts:
GameSetMatch · 22/02/2020 16:03

Putting shoes away and hanging coats up isn’t a chore, it’s everyday life! My five and two year old do it every time they come in from outside. I agree with a chart and at the end of the week they can have a little money, I’d give cash rather than a bank transfer, it much more motivational to have an actual note or coin.

BercowsFlamingoFlownTheNest · 22/02/2020 16:07

Their device access is limited and the eldest has had hers confiscated for speaking to me like shit yesterday. She'll get her phone back on Monday morning before school as she's done her homework and has no need for it. Dd2 hasn't got a phone but I will figure out how to change the WiFi password from the one on the router so there's no kindle before breakfast as has been the case this week. Time for a new routine and way of doing things, definitely.

OP posts:
hibeat · 22/02/2020 18:47

Chart with name and rota and fixed time of the day to do it. And then enforce it. It's good for them and for you. It's exhausting in the beginning. Just erase in the beginning. I don't know how my mum did it but we used to do our stuff without fuss, I try to do the same thing but I have to be behind them all the time, otherwise it's not done. She started when we were 8/9 though and I remember a smooth system when I was 15, so perhaps it does take time. I am not giving up. The house is cleaner, faster, even though I feel exhausted.

hibeat · 22/02/2020 18:48

there are lists of age appropriate tasks on the internet.

WeAllHaveWings · 22/02/2020 19:06

Ds(15) doesn't have a list of chores, if we are clearing up after dinner everyone pitches in until it's done, we don't have assigned jobs, it just gets done.

If housework is getting done after breakfast everyone pitches in and again, ds might vacuum one time, dust the next, fold laundry or strip beds. He never gets paid for doing his bit.

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