11 Ways to Get Your Kids Help Out with Chores

Getting kids to help with housework can feel like herding cats—slippery, unpredictable, and occasionally loud. But with the right vibe, you can turn chores into lifelong habits (and maybe even some fun along the way). Let’s shine a little light on how to make cleaning feel less like a struggle and more like a natural part of the day—without the groans and eye rolls!

1. Keep the Vibes Positive
Kids are like little mirrors—if they see you dreading housework, they’ll absorb that same energy. Instead, treat it like just another part of life—maybe even a little satisfying. A little joy and enthusiasm go a long way!

2. Be the Cleaning Role Model
Even if you’d rather scrub the tub in peace, let your kids see you in action now and then. Show them that cleaning isn’t some dreaded task—it’s just part of keeping things running smoothly. And of course, stick with non-toxic, kid-safe products since little lungs are extra sensitive!

3. Start 'Em Young
Toddlers love to copy whatever you do, so hand them mini dusters, a spray bottle with just water, or tiny gloves, and let them “clean” alongside you. They’ll feel like part of the team, and before you know it, they’ll be ready for the real thing!

4. Make Chores Visible with a Chart
Out of sight, out of mind! Keep everyone on track with a simple chore chart—download one or make your own. Stick it somewhere they’ll actually see (fridge, family command center, bathroom mirror if you’re feeling dramatic).

Start with four rotating daily jobs—like dishes, trash, laundry, and sweeping—so no one gets stuck with the chore they hate forever. For extra organization, make two charts: one for daily chores and another for weekly tasks.

5. Set Them Up for Success
Cleaning is a thousand times easier when everything has a place. Label bins and shelves with words or pictures so younger kids know where things go. The fewer obstacles, the fewer excuses!

6. Make Doing Chores Fun
Let’s be real—if something feels boring, kids aren’t going to be into it. But if you bring in the fun, they’ll be way more willing to help!

•Turn on the tunes – Crank up the music and turn chores into a mini dance party. Whether it’s grooving while doing dishes or spinning while sweeping, adding music brings a whole new vibe to cleaning.

• Race against the clock – Set a timer and see how many toys your preschooler can pick up before time runs out. They’ll be so focused on beating the clock, they won’t even realize they’re cleaning!

• Sock-matching basketball – Even toddlers can help by matching socks while you put away laundry. Let them roll socks into little balls and toss them into the drawer like they’re shooting hoops.

• Make it digital – There are apps that turn chores into games with points, levels, and rewards. If your kid is tech-savvy, this might be the secret weapon to getting them on board.

7. Make Cleaning a Science Experiment
Kids love knowing why things work. So, throw in some fun science:

“This spray has tiny molecules that grab onto dirt and lift it away!”
“This microfiber cloth has a special force that attracts dust!”

Older kids might even enjoy looking up cleaning hacks for a school project—who knew science could make chores more interesting?

8. Level Up Their Responsibilities
Most of the time, stick to age-appropriate tasks. But every now and then, challenge them with something new. Give them a “promotion” in the cleaning department! It makes kids feel capable and responsible. Just don’t forget to say thank you—everyone likes a little recognition.

9. Take It Step by Step
Instead of tossing them into the deep end, ease into chores like this:

1️⃣ Show them how to do it.
2️⃣ Let them help you.
3️⃣ Supervise while they try.
4️⃣ Set them loose once they’ve got it!

Also, be specific! Instead of saying, "Clean your room," break it down:
✅ Clothes in the closet
✅ Books on the shelf
✅ Dishes in the kitchen
✅ Toys in the toy box

10. Give Them Some Say in the Matter
Older kids, especially tweens and teens, appreciate choices. Instead of barking orders, try: "Make sure this is done before dinner." Giving them control over when they do it (within reason) makes them more likely to actually do it.

11. Celebrate the Clean House Moment
Once the work is done, take a second to appreciate it. Say out loud how nice it feels to relax in a tidy space. When kids connect cleaning with a good feeling, they’re more likely to keep it up.

And for the Bounce… Who Knew Cleaning Could Be Fun?

Housecleaning with kids may require a little patience (okay, a lot of patience), but these small shifts can turn chores from a battle into a habit. Add a little music, a little play, and a lot of encouragement, and suddenly, it’s not just about cleaning—it’s about creating joy in the everyday.

Because when you shine a little sunshine on the mundane, even chores can feel like a win!