8 Tips for Managing Chores and Cleaning Up for Kids

It can feel like an impossible task getting your kids to help out with household chores, but it’s extremely beneficial. A long-standing Harvard study found a strong connection between doing chores as a kid and professional success and happiness later on in life. It not only keeps your home organized but also instills lifelong habits of accountability and teamwork. Here are eight effective tips to help make chores manageable for kids.  

1. Set Clear Expectations  

The more specific you can get with your expectations, the more success you’ll have with getting your kiddos to follow directions. Rather than “Clean your room,” try breaking it down: “Put your toys in the bin, fold your clothes, and make your bed.” A chore chart can help provide a visual reminder of what needs to be done. When kids understand their role in keeping the household running, they are more likely to take ownership of their tasks.

2. Turn Cleaning into a Game  

Play is the language of childhood so the more fun you can make any activity, the likelier they are to engage in said activity. You can set a timer and challenge them to pick up as many toys as they can in five minutes or play music and have a “cleaning dance party.” Turning sweeping into a race or sorting laundry into a matching game can make household tasks feel less like work and more like play. When kids associate chores with fun, they become more willing participants.  

3. Lead by Example  

If they see you tidying up regularly and taking care of household responsibilities, they are more likely to mimic those behaviors. Get the whole family to participate so they don’t feel like they’re the only ones doing chores. Clean alongside them. Show them how to wipe the table properly or fold clothes neatly. 

4. Use Kid-Friendly Cleaning Tools  

Having child-sized cleaning tools can make a huge difference in how engaged kids are in the process. A lightweight broom, a small spray bottle filled with water and vinegar, or colorful cleaning cloths can make them feel like they have their own special job to do. Using tools that are easy for small hands to maneuver will help kids feel more confident and capable. Plus, when they have their own supplies, they may even look forward to using them!

5. Break Chores into Small Steps

Cleaning can feel overwhelming to children, especially when faced with a huge mess. They may not know where to begin. It helps to break chores into small, manageable steps to help them stay focused and avoid frustration. Give them one task at a time, like putting books on a shelf or placing laundry in the hamper, rather than an overarching “Clean this room.” Once they complete one step, guide them to the next. Gradually, they will learn how to tackle larger tasks on their own.

6. Offer Choices  

Everyone craves autonomy, including kids. Affording them some choice in the matter goes a long way in giving them a sense of agency. For instance, you can ask them if they’d prefer to sweep the floor or wipe the table. When they feel like they have a say in what they do, they are more likely to complete their chores without complaining. Decision-making also helps build confidence and independence, making it a valuable life skill beyond just cleaning.  

7. Celebrate a Job Well Done  

Praise their efforts and acknowledge their hard work, even if the task isn’t done perfectly. A simple “Great job putting your toys away!” or “I really appreciate how you helped with the dishes” can boost their confidence and encourage them to keep helping. When they feel pride in their work they’re less likely to see chores as a form of punishment. Small rewards, like an extra bedtime story or a fun outing are doubly incentivizing. 

8. Make It a Team Effort

When the whole family works together, it fosters a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. Try setting aside a specific time where everyone pitches in, like a 15-minute family cleanup before bedtime. Working together makes the workload feel lighter and reinforces that maintaining a tidy home is a group effort. 

Teaching kids to take responsibility for chores isn’t just about keeping the house clean—it’s about building lifelong skills like accountability, teamwork, and independence. By setting clear expectations, making tasks age-appropriate, and adding a little fun to the mix, you can turn daily clean-up into a positive habit rather than a constant battle. Remember, progress takes time, and consistency is key. With patience and encouragement, your kids will learn that helping out isn’t just a duty—it’s a valuable way to contribute to the family.