Getting kids to clean their rooms and do other
chores around the house is usually a constant battle for parents. But, very
soon kids will be hard at work writing letters and making lists of the toys and
games they hope to receive for Christmas creating the perfect opportunity for
parents to re-motivate their kids.
Santa and his elves will be watching to make
sure those chores are getting done and that valuable lessons are being learned
as well. For parents with a busy holiday schedule, follow these simple tips to
get kids to help more around the house and keep them motivated year-round
because Santa is always watching.
Make Like an Elf – It might be hard for kids to understand the
concept of a job so put it in holiday terms. Santa and the elves are working
hard to make the toys and games, so kids need to work hard to earn them. Treat
their chores as their first job and an opportunity to start teaching them about
spending, saving, donating and investing.
Divide Up Hosting Housework – Assign your children tasks that match their
ages and skill sets to get the house ready for holiday guests. Make sure to
give them a deadline to help teach time management and keep them focused. Pay
them for the work they do and suggest they use the money to pay for small gifts
for a family gift exchange.
Shovel Up the Savings – Broaden the concept of a “first job” for
older kids by having them do chores for neighbors. You can either pay your kids
for raking leaves and shoveling snow or talk to your neighbors about hiring
your kids for a small amount. Have your kids put the money into savings and use
this as an opportunity to teach them about the different types of interest that
can be earned through savings accounts.
Spread Cheer
– Going out of the way to help others during the holidays is in the spirit of
the season. To teach kids the importance of helping others and make them feel
like they are making a difference have them use part of their earnings from
doing chores for a charitable donation or to buy gifts and food for families in
need.
Stuff Stockings with Stocks – If you want your kids to help out with chores
all year, not just during the holidays, give them a reason to be motivated.
Adults work for a paycheck and kids will too, especially if their money starts
growing in the stock market.
Tips provided by BusyKid
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