Your Child Will Learn
My help is needed and valued in my home
Here’s What to Do
- Together with your child, brainstorm a manageable amount of chores, like helping to prepare meals, watering house plants, making up their bed, feeding pets
- Write the chores on large paper and keep track of completion through tally marks, checks, stickers, etc.
- Model how to do these chores side-by-side with your child until they are ready to do them independently
- Incentivize doing the chores by offering rewards or experiences specific to your child’s interests
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Take three deep breaths together before starting this activity
ENGAGE
- Smile and get excited when discussing rewards and experiences your child can earn by completing chores
- Let your child take the lead in recording completion of chores
ENCOURAGE
- Be clear about your expectations for completing chores, but also keep in mind that your child will need lots of guided practice
- Give your child praise and specific positive feedback like, “the floor is so clean because you took your time to pick up all the crumbs”
REFLECT
- Ask your child, “how do you feel when you complete chores”?
Not Quite Ready
Start your child with 1-2 simple chores and give lots of praise to build their confidence
Ready for More
Consider giving your child money for completing chores
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will understand rewards and experiences can be earned when they are helpful in the home
Time to Complete
15-30 minutes
Materials Needed
Large paper, pencils, crayons, markers, stickers