How Our Kids Do CHORES... Without Me Nagging!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thanks for watching! I hope you got some new ideas of things to try in your family! What chores do your kids help with?

[@belhumeurhomeschool4226]

I love your videos ! I just found your channel last week while prepping for our homeschool year ahead , and you have been SO helpful! ❤

[@mothersslave8199]

Did it ever occur to you that YOU incurred the responsibilities of a household? Your children did not. What you are doing is abusive and irresponsible, and should be against the law.

[@Homelifelearning]

One of the reasons I wanted to home educate was to teach my kids why we learn something how it can fit in with our lives and make their lives better/easier/more successful. I talk a lot with my children why do these household jobs, helps us function mentally and physically, why tidying our room for 5-10mins a night means we never feel overwhelmed and have to spend many hours at the weekend sorting and cleaning a room and can play the next day in peace, clearing the dinner things off the table the night before means we can easily sit down and get on with our day in the morning and don't have to waste time and scrub as everything has stuck on the plates etc etc.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Yes! Love that!

[@jessicabrown6943]

We do some of the same things y’all do! We rotate chores monthly. I feel like that gives enough time to really get good at chores but not enough time to burn out on it. Each time we rotate I try to teach each child a new part of the chore they haven’t done before. For instance my younger daughter only hangs clean clothes for now but next time we rotate and she gets laundry she will add putting clothes from washer to dryer and hanging up the clean ones. My older ones are learning to sort laundry, or spray stains, everyone is at a different learning area. It’s such a great opportunity to really teach them all the ins and outs of daily tasks that they will need the rest of their lives! ❤

[@alittleheavenonearth]

Love it ❤

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing!!

[@carriebilbrey]

I have recently found a parenting/teacher resource called Love & Logic. They teach how to get children to do chores without nagging and reminding. I have just recently implemented and it’s going pretty good. Allowing consequences to do the teaching is a hard transition for me. I have to resist stepping in and making it easy on them haha! I think what has really helped me is knowing how much more valuable chores truly are for them. More valuable than math will ever be.

[@allisonward6621]

Thank you for this timely video! I've noticed my girls arguing about who's stuff is whose and that they don't want to clean up their sisters stuff. I was trying to encourage them to clean up regardless of who's it is! I appreciate your insights into how you started and all your kids do!

[@FashionbyBrittany]

We need to inspect what we expect! Genius. ❤ I’m going to try this!!! I have 4 kiddos and needed to figure out a system ❤

[@millyg226]

Kids are definitely capable of alot. Thanks for the reminder.

[@alicias2168]

I never had chores growing up(along with my 5 siblings) and left the house at 18 with few skills. It was very overwhelming to learn to do all the tasks of life all at once. I am implementing chores early on so my son knows what is required and knows being part of a family means pitching in. Great video.

[@mothersslave8199]

It is because of your actions that he is a part of a family. Whatever work that caused it your responsibility, not his.

[@maki90]

@@mothersslave8199you’re a pathetic little troll, ain’t you? Lol. Teaching a kid chores keeps them from being so overwhelmed and clueless later in life. I had a grown man around my age approach me on Walmart on the laundry aisle not long ago and ask me how to do laundry… his mom and his girlfriend who had just broke up with him always did the laundry, dishes, etc, so he was -very sheepishly- asking me, a total stranger, how to take care of household basics… who needs that? He was embarrassed and unprepared as an adult and you could tell he felt like shit about it, I felt bad for him. I’ve had people approach me asking how to pick out good veggies, or what I’m going to cook with whatever food I was getting and astounded you could cook that at home (burgers, alfredo, basic easy stuff to me,) so I was giving cooking tips to other adults on basic things. Who wants their kids to grow up clueless and running scared and totally unprepared? Get a clue. Also, your username says a lot. Chores aren’t abuse, it’s getting them prepared for the rest of their lives, childhood doesn’t last very long compared to the rest of their lives, and I don’t want my kids feeling totally unprepared and struggling for the 80 yrs that we won’t be around taking care of their every basic need.

[@kendratai]

I love the practicality of what you said

[@msmary126]

What a helpful video! We have 6 kids, 4 boys….the bathrooms are unreal!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Why does it have to be so messy! 🤢🤣

[@esmazivalj4582]

Thank you for always keeping it real!

[@RachaelSchup]

this is actually a very helpful video - and has made me think about more responsibilities we could assign my girls as they grow. I have an 8 and 11 year old. We are working on having them do their own laundry and definitely have them put the clean clothes away. They take turns loading/unloading the dishwasher each day. It definitely cut down on the bickering. i just have to get better at holding them accountable.

[@paulasierra5186]

THANK YOU! Incredibly helpful !!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

@@paulasierra5186 You’re so welcome! Wishing you the best!

[@ninamiller5595]

Chores are a challenge and frustrating. Thank you for this helpful video Erin

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You bet, Nina! Hope you're doing well!! Miss our nature group days! ❤

[@helloharrishomeschool9554]

We find running to be an effective consequence for our boys as well. Most of the time chores aren’t getting done due to playing and goofing off and running helps them get some energy out so they can focus on what needs to be done. Also….yes to boys cleaning their own bathrooms 🤣 my boys do a wipe down twice a week because mama ain’t touching that. Great video !

[@mothersslave8199]

So what if you tell them to run and they say no?

[@helloharrishomeschool9554]

@@mothersslave8199 if they don’t respect me and what they’ve been asked to do then they have to take it up with daddy when he gets home. I’ve explained to my boys that running is a way to get their energy out and to focus on what behavior they need to correct.

[@constancejackson7986]

Mine are still littles, but I teach em and do chores with em to encourage the work they can do. Teamwork . But this was great thanks for the tips!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

That’s great! So much easier to start when they’re little!

[@alittleheavenonearth]

Starting at a young age is key!

[@unconditionallovehomeschoo1830]

This is so encouraging

[@RuthT90]

Great video. My 7 year old has been far too 'spoiled' in that sense and it really shows now which I'm struggling with as it was never my intention so I am implementing some chores now and starting earlier with my 3 year old. Thanks for the tips. I'm a single mum, homeschooled and have my own small business so some help with the house will help so much.

[@laureeso99]

I have tried so many different methods! lol. We have one now and it's working for the most part. I created a table and each week it changes so everyone gets the joy of deep cleaning the bathrooms. lol. It's nice to see what others are doing-thanks!

[@meronkeleme8660]

Thanks a lot for sharing this great tips. God bless your family.

[@ShellyJohnson-xs1mf]

Love this so much! We assign jurisdictions (areas of the home such as living room, kitchen, hallway, ect) and we rotate monthly! I love your reminder on keeping them accountable! That is definitely an area we as the parents need to work on. Thank you for the tips on consequences & rewards.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Sounds like a great plan! ❤️

[@ShellyJohnson-xs1mf]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler thank you 😊 a work in progress!

[@mothersslave8199]

So what does "keeping them accountable" mean? What kind of punishment?

[@bessiescofill1487]

Thank you so much for the encouragement!

[@Maria_O]

My 17-year old son is a VERY early riser. Like 5 am early. Since I work nights and don't get to bed until about 2am, it's one of his chores every morning to empty the dishwasher and also put away the clean dishes in the regular dish drainer. This has been such a huge relief for me! Theoretically 😂 I should wake up to a clutter free kitchen and can start the day without ANOTHER thing to do first. Now if I could just get everyone to understand that their dirty dishes need to be placed IN the dishwasher throughout the day! 😊

[@jessicabrown6943]

Great way to work as a team!! I saw a photo where someone had put painters tape across their sink so you couldn’t put anything in the sink, and wrote “DISHES GO IN THE DISHWASHER” with an arrow on it. Brilliant. I’m trying that one. 😅

[@Maria_O]

@@jessicabrown6943 That's so funny! I should try that. I recently had a talk with the 2 eldest because I was always waking up to all their breakfast and lunch-making mess. My adult daughter is the worst. She likes to claim "Well I didn't know if you were going to need it during the day. So I left it out." 😑 My reply is always the same, "If I need it, I'll clean it!"

[@reinaldomartinez13]

bruh no way, that's not a chore, that's something he should be doing anyway, it's not like he's washing them, he's just moving plates from one spot to another

[@Hedge_Haven]

I'd love to see that list!

[@Joypontious]

Thank you!

[@cececarter7663]

So inspired. Thankyou. 😅

[@MaximizedMom]

Thanks for this... very helpful ❤

[@Joypontious]

Thanks for this video

[@olgaeller2048]

Thank you, Erin. Love your videos. They are very helpful and inspiring and you are such a beautiful person ❤ Thank you for your work and for putting so much heart in it.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Aww. Thanks, Olga! 🥰❤️

[@huhn4505]

Thank you for this great video and awesome reminder of what our kids are capable of. Personally, I am learning how to clean and declutter my house with the FlyLady System currently. And now I have decided to take my children on this journey with me. Besides a couple of everyday chores for each, they are getting a task or two (age dependent) in the "zone" that is the focus for the week. We are new to this, but so far so good. Payment = extra time from mom to play or read a story or go to a playground, ..., because now it isn't all on mom to do. We work together and there is more time for each other. Win, win, in my opinion. Thank you again for your loving and caring content!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

That is so wonderful! Sounds like you are on to something!! Thanks for the sweet comment! 🥰

[@juliequates9529]

Did you create a checklist for them? Great tips. I need to revamp our chores, everyone is a year older!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I had one in the younger years, but now they are just expected to remember since it's really only a couple of things for each kid. 😊

[@meandmyquiverfull1695]

I was laughing out loud when you said they are home - all - day. Yes!!! So much mess during the day… But absolutely agree on your perspective of rewards. We have the same opinion about that. Chores can teach kids so many life skills, for their own future family, work life, etc. Ours help with kitchen tidy, bathroom, afternoon general clean up, farm chores, and the older ones watching their little siblings. When I go around the house and see things out of the normal I write them on a piece of paper with a $ amount next to it and kids who have been finishing their regular jobs can earn some extra money. As ours are still young (7 kids 10 and under) it’s mostly the two oldest who can take over the extra jobs but I’m sure as they grow older that could be a motivator to get their routine chore done quickly so they can earn some extra😅 I also heard the inspection phrase often enough, but to be honest, sometimes we struggle with that as they always seem to come when I’m nursing, we are working on something or are simply tired 🙈so we have to take that to heart, thanks for the reminder again😅 You’re doing a great job!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Great idea with the $ motivation! I struggle with the inspection too! Something I’m definitely working on being better about!

[@tarastone4417]

Thank you for this video! Any tips on chores for 6 and 7 year olds? My kids are 7 and under but I have started them early with some things.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

My pleasure! My daughter was 6 when I filmed this! For chores, she clears and wipes down the table after meals, unloads the dishwasher, tidies the entry way, and feeds the dogs for her daily tasks. For other random tasks, she washes the windows and mirrors, mops, and helps sort and fold clothes. Hope that gives you some ideas!

[@tarastone4417]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler Thank you so much!

[@nancy1449-e2k]

Hi there, I was wondering if your 4:30 Areas of Responsibility are separate from their daily assigned chores? This video was so helpful to me I have a list in progress now!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So glad to hear it was helpful! 🥰 Yes, they have an area that they are each responsible for tidying up every afternoon on top of their normal daily chores!

[@faithhomeschool2789]

My oldest checks off my area its hilarious. We have a flow that has worked so well. I am trying to be more diligent. Chores are so important. It is also very important that chores are divided equally between our boys and girls.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

😂 Hahaha! Love it!

[@joshbryant2086]

Assuming you guys are tracking all this? Where, and how?

[@stephaniedougherty7845]

Thank you so much! Great ideas. I have smaller kids. They do have chores - that they often do joyfully and then not. I noticed that you said you have 4 children but it sounded like you only talked about 3 of them and what they do… what is the fourth doing? Just interested because of the splitting up of tasks and their ages! Or maybe I am missing something 🤔

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

My pleasure! I talked about all of them! Might have gotten a little confusing since we’ve got 3 boys so maybe some sounded like an overlap. 🤷🏼‍♀️ The boys all rotate all of their chores monthly.

[@stephaniedougherty7845]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler thank you for taking the time to clarify! I am sure I will take some of your thoughts and put them into action over the next few months. I am very glad I found your channel!

[@kindrawade2730]

So are their chores at the 430 time or the chores like dishes etc are someone’s responsibility and then at 430 u just do a pick up outside of those daily chores?

[@eleanoresson869]

Hi. How old are your boys please? My children are 11 abs 13 and I'm trying to figure out age related cos for them.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

At the time I made this video, they were about 14, 12, and 10. They all do the chores interchangeably. At this age, I think they can do just about any household chore once they are trained how to do it, so I suggest just finding the things that would help you out the most and teach them how to take over those things. Many kids generally like to feel useful and like they are needed, so if you can find a spin on that when implementing new chores, that might prove helpful! Wishing you the best!

[@eleanoresson869]

Thank you so much!

[@beccacoleman498]

I really struggling here...we have two kids, 10 and almost 12. I thought i was doing good things when i started paying them to do regular house chores, but it doesnt seem to work anymore. The nagging still happens. Honestly, i just dont know what to do. Expecting them to accomplish the tasks doesnt motivate them, at least not my son. He couldnt care any less what anyone thinks of him amd his habits.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Sorry to hear you’re struggling! I’ve found that our kids are more motivated by consequences if they don’t do their expected chores, i.e. no video games or hanging out with friends until chores are done, or going to bed early, or some kind of exercise as discipline for not completing their chores. This has helped them to learn responsibility, as in the real world, where they learn there are consequences to their behavior. (At work, your boss doesn’t nag you about what to do, you don’t get paid if you don’t do your job, or you get fired if you don’t do what is expected, etc). Hope you find a solution that works for you!

[@kindrawade2730]

Can u respond what ur responsibilities as a mom are? When I am divvying up I am trying to be mindful with homeschool planning and cooking etc. I wonder if u have a list for u that u can share with us moms getting started. I am not new at getting my kids to help (8 and 10 yr old) but making a list of responsibilities so I don’t spend my day reminding and frustrated and free to actually get other things done myself by giving them some responsibilities…. Lol thanks for the video! Lifesaver! And u gave me some consequence ideas I needed too. Just curious what household stuff you leave to you.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Do you mean like what my normal daily household chores are?

[@kindrawade2730]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler yes!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I do the vast majority of the cooking, which I actually enjoy. We normally eat a hot breakfast every day, so there’s that, then getting items ready for lunch, and cooking dinner. We rarely eat out, so a lot of my time is spent in the kitchen each day. I’m planning on teaching my kids to cook better during the next school year. I’m terrible at meal planning so no-one here does that. I need to be better! Goal is to have kids take over planning/cooking one dinner a week. I normally start/switch a load of laundry at some point and toss the dried clothes in a pile. The kids all come grab their own clothes and fold and put them away themselves and I put ours away. I usually do the grocery shopping (my hubby helps if he’s going to town and we have a list going), normally while I’m already in town running kids to lessons or classes so I can dual purpose the trip into town. I sort the mail that the kids bring back from the mailbox and pay bills if need be. I take care of our bathroom when that needs attention. I mentioned in the video that my daughter helps me mop and dust and wash windows on Saturdays. She’s only 6, so I normally have to help go back over spots. I also normally hand wash the bigger pots and pans that don’t fit in the dishwasher or need to be handwashed during the day. My hubby does that after dinner. Those are the big regular ones that I can think of. My hubby does most of the outdoor work/repairs/animals/etc. (which is considerable when you have multiple acres) In the spring/summer I do the garden. We tag team the orchard pruning, thinning, harvesting, etc. I’m sure there’s something I missed!

[@kindrawade2730]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler thanks so much! Sounds like me! Ok I was just thinking there must be something I am missing 😂

[@amandamendoza4181]

We have 4 children as well. We have always had chores and do not pay. If they come offer extra help like washing my car, or cleaning outside windows we will pay. I truly feel over rewarded kids will have mentality of always expecting something praise, money, or gift when they do anything. That is not real life! Kids need real life skills.

[@mothersslave8199]

Slave labor is supposed to be against the law. It's not ok just because the victim is your child.

[@tinaloewen9006]

❤

[@jiffinjohn]

IRELAND FOR JESUS

[@HomeschoolMamaJ]

I loved this videos until you said a consequence of not doing chores is doing laps. It is detrimental to children to correlate exercise and moving their bodies with punishment.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

We don’t see it that way but obviously you are welcome to choose whatever consequence you want. No one said you had to do what we do. 🤷🏼‍♀️ It very rarely happens anyway.

[@HomeschoolMamaJ]

⁠Yes that’s fine, of course we won’t all see things the same way. I’m new to your channel, and have been really enjoying your content. That just stood out to me because you said you use it the most often and even if you don’t see it as detrimental, research and psychology says it’s not a good idea… 🤷🏻‍♀️ We’re all just trying to do our best and when we know better, we do better. Have a nice day.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

@@HomeschoolMamaJ Glad you’ve enjoyed the content! Our 15 and 13 year olds disagree about it being detrimental. Definitely one of those things where all kids are different and everyone needs to do what works for their unique children. Blessings!

[@maki90]

Naw, maybe if the kid is ultra lazy, but some kids it really helps. I thrive on it to this day as an adult. If you’re high energy and scatterbrained because your mind has 100000000000 thoughts going through it at once, exercise can calm that down sometimes and help you relax enough to focus. My folks used that to get me refocused, but I also would do those goofy aerobics videos with my mom as a tiny kid (lion face, anyone?) as just a normal part of the day; I enjoyed it. Exercise wasn’t ever a bad thing, even if used for “punishment.” Because if I wasn’t focusing, there was a good chance I needed a run or some pushups to get the zoomies out anyhow so I could lol, and I was thankful when they told me to run or do some other exercise. It was a change of pace when I was getting overwhelmed. It worked well for me when I was a kid… I never considered that a punishment at all. So speak for yourself, because biased research on couch potato kids in the coddled Nintendo generation doesn’t mean jack to kids who didn’t grow up with moss growing on their ass from their lack of movement.