How To Get Your Teenager To Help Around The House

Teenagers are well able to help around the house and they are capable of chores just like we are, but they may not want to do them. You may not want to argue about doing chores either and therefore, let your teenager away with it.

Teenagers are well able to help around the house and they are capable of chores just like we are, but they may not want to do them. You may not want to argue about doing chores either and therefore, let your teenager away with it. But we have some tips on getting your teenager to help around the house and though they may not be able to do the chores perfectly it must be done to get them going! Anyway, soon they’ll be heading to college, so this is kind of a life skill! 
  • Accept that your teenager doesn’t share the same worries as you. You may really care that the floor is dirty or that the dishwasher is full but your teenager, honestly doesn’t share the same worries as you. They don’t see things like you do and this doesn’t mean they are lazy instead they are just unaware of the chaos around them. Weren’t we all like that? Avoid having the same argument over and over, as it is useless. 
  • Bribe them. Ok, we know this is frowned upon, but nothing gets a teenager moving more than a few euros dangling in front of them. Yes, they should help on their own accord but sometimes offering pocket money is a good way to expect completed chores once you have an agreement in place. 
  • Encourage them. If you are getting your teenager to do chores and the,n berating them for it being wrong, then you are not going to get them to do it again. Appreciate their efforts and show them how to do things so they learn. Avoid taking over the task yourself and accept that while their folding may not be to your liking, that at least they tried. 
  • Offer perks. Regardless of pocket money, you can’t be expected to pay your child every time they do something in the house, but you can offer some give and take. For example, your teenager may want to go somewhere afterschool and requires a lift, but you can make a deal that they will not be able to attend unless they do their chores first. Offer structure and remain strident about such jobs and therefore, your teenager will respect the need for the chores and rules. 
  • Respect your teenager. You may dictate to your teenager, and the truth is if you take this stand constantly, they may not want to help you. Teach your teenager to respect you by respecting them too. Listen to them and support them. Try and have a good relationship with them and avoid only talking to them when they are in trouble. You need to be a parent that is open and honest with them. They, in turn, will care for you and offer help to you and the family. 
  • Keep calm. The joys of parenting teenagers are repeating instructions and you need to accept this now! If you are fed up repeating their chores, then give them a list of chores on a weekly sheet so they can follow it. Offer guidelines on the chore to avoid them having to ask the same question repeatedly. The reality is they will forget stuff!
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.emmamadjotters.com.

Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes is a busy mum to two girls aged 17 and 11 and is married to her childhood sweetheart.

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