Not only does assigning chores to your kids lighten your load, it also encourages responsibility and a sense of contributing to the family unit. But getting kids to help with housework can often be a chore in itself! Here are some parenting tips on making chores not only bearable but actively fun.

Start them young

Younger children will often mimic certain activities that you perform around the house. TUrn this to your advantage by involving them in simple things like folding clothes or tidying cushions. Even if at this stage they are more of a hindrance than a help, you will be laying good foundations for later on. Break down complicated instructions such as “tidy your room” into simple directions such as “put away your toys” or “make your bed”. When the instruction is easier to understand, the child will be more involved.

Make it into a game

Put on some music and see who can finish a task by the end of the song. For extra motivation, try singing along to songs like "A Spoonful of Sugar" from Mary Poppins, or "Whistle While You Work" from Snow White. Make a competition out of it – who can put toys away quickest, who can put their clothes away first, and reward the winner with a treat. Have fun with it: washing the car on a hot, summer afternoon, for example, could turn into a water fight.

Work together

When the whole family mucks in, chores seem much easier to cope with and a lot less dull, and you'll be strengthening the bond between the family unit. Think about arranging a time every week when all members of the family will help with chores. With everybody joining in, kids won’t feel singled out for punishment.

Divide chores fairly

For older families, instead of allocating chores ad hoc, devise a rota that divides tasks equally. Get everybody to agree on a fair division of labour and put a wallchart up, so that it is clear who should be doing what and when. This should help put a stop to excuses like, “But I did it yesterday...” Alternatively, try dividing up chores by writing them on pieces of paper and picking them out of a hat.

Reward good behaviour

It is amazing how far giving praise, or saying a simple thank you', can go. You could also give gold stars or other rewards for a job well done. Using pocket money as a reward can become counter-productive if a child begins to expect rewards for every task they do, but you may want to give extra pocket money for out-of-the-ordinary tasks such as mowing the lawn, so that your child can learn how to work for, and manage, money.