photo credit: Mega Hammond

Are your kids helpful around the house? Did I hear a groan?

We often expect kids to help but don't give them appropriate instruction on how to do what we want them to do. Agreeably, teaching them to be more responsible is work for you, and for a while it may appear to be more trouble than worth, but that's part of the teaching/learning process. Hang in there and help them set up good habits around the house.

• Put it in writing. If they are old enough to read,  write a short list of the chores you want them to do. Don't expect them to remember three or four things that you have yelled to them from the other room.
•  For your pre-readers, tell them one thing at a time, repeat the directions if necessary.
• Set reasonable time limits in which to get the chores done, as per age and ability.
• Demonstrate: If you want the trash bags put into the cans a certain way, them show them exactly how to do it. Don't assume that they have been paying attention to the way you have done it all their lives. Trust me, they haven't noticed nor do they care.
• When they say they are finished with the task, ask them, "How do you think you did?" Don't be harsh if you disagree with their self-evaluation.
• Be generous and fair with your appraisal of their accomplishments. Through praise, a chart or some small reward, let them know when they have done a good job of following directions.
• Keep it as much fun as possible. Don't get all uptight and agitated. Naturally, they  will make mistakes, goof-off, maybe even whine a few minutes, you know, just like the rest of us do!  
• So, remind yourself that it is a good thing you are doing, a good thing you are doing, a good thing you are doing . . .