Why Do I Have To Do Chores?

What's Up?

Do you ever wonder why you are made to do chores?  Is it because your parent(s) are mean, or they do not want you to have any fun.  Probably not.  Chores are necessary to live.  If you never washed dishes, you would not have any clean ones to eat off of.  Chores do not have to be boring though.  Let's liven up that chore routine.

Idea

Liven up your chore routine.  Try out some of the chore games below or register for a chore reward system on-line.

Also sit down and talk with your parent(s) and siblings about chores.  With the help of your parent(s) list the chores that need to be completed.  Pick the ones you like better than others.  It won't feel like such a drudge if you do not hate the chore.  For example, your sister might like to dust, but you hate it.  So let her dust, and then why don't you do another chore that maybe your sister hates.

Chore Games

Lucky Lady

Get the chore list out.  Roll the dice.  Whoever has the high number gets to select the chore they like best.  This can be especially fun after dinner on selecting who has to clear the table, and load the dishwasher.

Mixing Bowl

Create pieces of paper with a single chore on each piece of paper.  Pull the chores out of the bowl.  This will give some excitement and variation to which chores you have to perform. 

Parents

A suggestion might be to put some fun items in the bowl as well.  For example a candy bar, or a free pass on one chore.

Do Chores With Others

Perform chores together with friends or parents.  It is always more fun to perform a task with others than by yourself.  Who wants to hear others laughing or having fun, while you are working.  Blah, what a bummer.  If you do your chores with others, they will go faster and be more fun.  An old quote is that many hands make light work.

Parent(s)

Recognize that kids face a chore learning curve and that they learn at their own rate, not yours.  Once a chore is assigned or selected, show your child how do it.  If your child makes a mistake, do NOT be critical.  Be calm and show them again how to do it.  Lower your expectations as it will not be perfect, especially the younger they are.  Praise them when they do the job well.  (Courtesy of Familyeducation.com)

Reward Systems

There are many different on-line chore reward systems that you can sign up for.  Some cost money, others do not.  Each one offers a little bit different system, and the one you choose depends on what your interests are.

Handipoints.com provides two levels of rewards:free and those you pay for. Parents set up the tasks, timing of the those tasks, and their reward level.  Children complete those tasks and receive points for rewards they earn.  For example, a parent can set up that going to the movies is worth 300 points and the child earns points towards that goal.

Nannyscircle.com is a fee service that provides an organizational tool for parents and children.  Besides having a reward system, it provides reminders for meetings for parents, and for kids that chores that are coming due.

Myrewardboard.com sells software that you can download onto your computer.  The software  provides chore rewards, a money saving area, and an organizational tool.

Chorewars.com is a free on-line video game, with an option to purchase an upgrade.  You log in the chores you complete and compete against others in your party.  If you win or complete a certain number of chores, you can go on adventures or move up levels.

Chuckecheese.com provides free reward calendars on their website.  If your child completes chores, or homework, they earn free points to use at the restaurant for games and prizes.