Integrate Chores with Fun

Begin early to integrate chores with fun activities. “When you have your pajamas on and are all ready for bed, I will read you a story.” “When the table is set, I will put the dinner on.” “When you are dressed, you can watch TV.” “When your bed is straightened, we will get out the toys.” Be sure these tasks are not overwhelming. If toys are scattered throughout the child’s room, do not tell him when the toys are all put away you will read a story. The task is much too much for a little child to respond to favorably. It helps if you don’t allow things to get out of hand or too difficult to manage easily.

Giving your children too many toys is a disservice and will complicate the task of teaching them order and responsibility. For children as well as adults, a fundamental rule for organization and management of time and environment is simplicity. What your children do not have they do not have to feed, dust, hang, wash, stack, or put away. An abundance of toys is unmanageable and will prevent the child from carrying out the important task of taking care of the toys he has.

To see illustrations see Chapter 5 “How to Get Kids to Help at Home”.

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