Photograph Credit: iClipart

In training our children to help around the house, this series continues to encourage me to make cleaning fun.

I get caught up in just doing it myself because I can do it faster and better than waiting for my kids to figure it out. However, as I teach them and mentor them, there are six more hands working. In the long run, we can accomplish more together while having fun.

Thus far in this series, we have seen how creating a game for laundry and pickup and providing a tool make cleaning fun for children.

If you have older children who are not interested in these games or using the cleaning tool, then maybe a non-monetary reward will spur them on to motivational cleaning.

Part 3: Give Non-monetary Rewards

Most children – no matter their age – want to know how much they can earn for doing chores. Some families instill an allowance system or a reward chart for completing designated tasks. You may or may not choose one of the options, but children of all ages need encouragement.

My children are young, and rewards are a big deal to them. Wanting to reward them, Paul and I have an allowance system in place, but we also reward along the way with non-monetary awards. Some of our choices include the following rewards:

Family Walk

My kids move so quickly to finish picking up when they know the reward is a family walk through our neighborhood. Loving to go outside, my children desire to ride their bikes, push a baby stroller, or take a stroll as a family. Again, this reward may or may not work with older children. I’m not quite there yet as my children are ages 7, 5, and 2.

Movie Night

All curled up in Daddy and Mommy’s bed under the covers with a bowl of popcorn and a fun movie motivates my kiddos to complete the task requested.

One-on-One Time

Getting the privilege of going grocery shopping, getting nails painted, baking, cooking, or playing a game alone with Daddy or Mommy is a special privilege in our house. Though we try to spend one-on-one time with each of our children each day, Paul and I give extra time as a reward which gets chosen more than the other rewards offered. 🙂

Planned Outing

With numerous outing opportunities, we sometimes choose a reward as a family. Keeping our home looking nice is a group activity. So, when we finish the tasks, we enjoy celebrating our accomplishments together. From a museum visit to a bounce house session to entertaining friends, we find a group reward just as beneficial as an individual award.

As you encourage and teach your children how to clean as part of the family, those sessions don’t need to exude boring and dreaded tasks. Learning along with you, I am trying to make cleaning fun for children and adults.

Life is too short to hate what you are doing. By making a game, providing a tool, and giving non-monetary rewards keeps my children interested and my house maintained.

In using time wisely, keep trying ways to include your children. As they feel part of the family and contribute towards its workings, they will enjoy the rewards, and hopefully, find the process fun. Happy playing!

Question: What rewards do you offer in your home?