5 Easy Ways to Get Them to Do Daily Chores!

Getting kids to clean up, get dressed, eat meals, or help around the house can feel like a daily battle. But with a little creativity, these daily tasks can become moments of joy and responsibility!

Here’s how you can turn everyday struggles into effortless routines.

1. Child Not Cleaning Up Toys? → Make It About the Toys

The Problem:

After playtime, toys are scattered everywhere, and your child refuses to put them back.

The Fix:

  1. Say, “Oh no! The toys are feeling tired after playing. They need to go back to their home!”
  2. Encourage your child: “Can you help them find their way back to their box?”
  3. Start by making it fun: “Let’s do this together! I’ll put away all the blocks, and you take care of the cars. Let’s see who does better!”
  4. Gradually, let your child take over while you cheer them on.

Why It Works: Instead of feeling like a chore, your child sees clean-up as helping their toys. This builds responsibility and empathy while making tidying up feel natural.

2. Dressing Up Struggles? → Offer Simple Choices!

The Problem:

Your child refuses to get dressed, complains about clothes, or takes forever to change.

The Fix:

  1. Instead of saying, “Wear this now,” say, “Would you like the red t-shirt or the blue one?”
  2. Let them decide small things: “Do you want to wear socks first or pants first?”
  3. If they still resist, hold up both choices and say, “Which one is calling your name today?”

Why It Works: Kids love having a sense of control. By giving them simple choices, they feel independent and more willing to cooperate—without unnecessary power struggles.

3. Mealtime Battles? → Involve Them in the Process!

The Problem:

Your child refuses to eat or complains about what’s on their plate.

The Fix:

  1. Let them help with small decisions: “Would you like dal-rice or roti-sabzi today?”
  2. Give them a small cooking task like washing veggies, stirring, or setting the table.
  3. Say, “Wow! You helped make this. Let’s taste your special meal together!”

Why It Works: When kids feel included, they take ownership of their meal. It makes them excited to eat instead of resisting food they had no say in.

4. Not Doing Chores? → Make It a Chore Surprise!

The Problem:

Your child doesn’t want to help around the house.

The Fix:

  1. Write small chores on chits (e.g., watering plants, arranging books, wiping the table).
  2. Let your child pick a chit at random—it’s their daily "Chore Surprise"!
  3. Celebrate after completing it with a high-five or a sticker.

Why It Works: The element of surprise makes chores feel like a game, not a duty. It also teaches responsibility in a fun, engaging way!

5. Struggling to Make Chores a Habit? → Do It Together!

The Problem:

Your child resists doing tasks when asked but loves spending time with you.

The Fix:

  1. Instead of saying, “Go fold your clothes”, say, “Let’s fold our clothes together!”
  2. While dusting, say, “You take this side, and I’ll take the other!”
  3. Turn it into bonding time—chat, laugh, and make it enjoyable.

Why It Works: Children imitate what they see. When they see you enjoying daily chores, they naturally develop the habit—without feeling forced.

Final Thought: Responsibility Starts with Joy!

By making daily tasks playful, engaging, and meaningful, kids learn to take responsibility naturally. Try these easy fixes, and soon, your child will be helping out—without a fuss!