Let’s be honest, getting kids to do chores can feel like herding cats. But it doesn’t have to be a daily battle. With a bit of creativity (and some clever psychology), you can turn boring household tasks into something your children actually want to do. Here are seven practical ways to make chores fun for kids, and maybe even enjoyable for you, too.
Photo by Brooks Rice on Unsplash
1. Turn It Into a Game
Kids love games. So why not turn cleaning into one? Set a timer and challenge them to beat the clock: “Can you tidy your room before the timer runs out?” Or create a points system where tasks earn rewards. For younger children, turn sock matching into a ‘sock monster hunt’ or sweeping into a ‘floor safari’.
Pro tip: Use a kitchen timer or your phone; the ticking adds urgency and excitement.
2. Let Them Choose Their Chores
When kids feel like they have a choice, they’re more likely to engage. Create a list of age-appropriate chores and let them pick which ones they’ll do each week. Rotate the list to keep things fresh and fair.
This gives them a sense of control and teaches decision-making skills. And it prevents the inevitable “Why do I always have to…?” argument.
Pro tip: For younger kids, use picture cards with chores like “put toys away” or “wipe the table” so they can choose even if they can’t read yet.
3. Play Their Favourite Music
Music is a great mood booster; even adults use it to make boring tasks bearable. Let your kids pick a playlist or queue up their favourite songs. Have a mini disco while vacuuming or sing loudly while doing the dishes.
You could even make a family cleaning playlist with everyone’s top tracks. If they’re dancing while dusting, you’re doing something right.
Pro tip: Use upbeat tracks around 120 BPM, think pop songs or classics, to keep the energy up while they clean.
4. Use Sticker Charts and Visual Goals
Visual progress is powerful for kids. Use a simple sticker chart or a colourful chore board to track completed tasks. When they hit a goal, like five stickers in a row, let them pick a small treat, like a trip to the park or their choice of dinner.
Avoid bribes for every chore. Instead, focus on celebrating effort and consistency.
Pro tip: Keep a “reward jar” filled with fun options, family board game night, pick a dessert, and stay up 15 minutes later. Let them draw from it when they reach a goal.
5. Make It a Team Effort
Kids are more likely to pitch in when they see you doing the same. So tackle chores together. Assign everyone a role: one person wipes the counters, another sweeps, and someone else sets the table.
Teamwork builds connections and shows them that everyone contributes. It’s also faster, which means more time for something fun after.
Pro tip: Use “clean-up countdowns” before dinner or bedtime, a quick 10-minute blitz where everyone chips in at once.
Photo by Ralph Hutter on Unsplash
6. Create Chore Challenges and Competitions
A little friendly competition can go a long way. Who can fold the most laundry neatly in five minutes? Who can clean their room the fastest, with Mum or Dad as a judge?
Make it fun, not stressful. Keep it light-hearted and offer silly prizes like “Chore Champion” badges or the right to choose the next family movie.
Pro tip: Rotate the “Chore Boss” each week, a child who gets to assign (fair) tasks and make up challenges for the others.
7. Give Chores a Storyline
Turn chores into a story or imaginative play. Instead of “clean your room,” say, “Commander, the bedroom base needs decontamination. Report for mission!” Younger kids especially love imaginative twists.
Washing the car? It’s a dragon you have to tame. Watering plants? You’re the royal gardener keeping the queen’s flowers alive.
Let their imagination do the heavy lifting.
Pro tip: Keep a costume box nearby. Sometimes, a superhero cape or pirate hat is all it takes to make tidying up more exciting.
Making chores fun isn’t about tricking your kids, it’s about giving them tools to enjoy the process. The real win? You’re teaching them responsibility, independence, and the idea that work doesn’t have to be miserable.
And who knows? Maybe one day they’ll clean the kitchen without being asked. No promises, but we can dream.
Got your own chore hacks that work like magic? Share them with us in the comments below.
I used to make a game out of getting the jobs done around the house when my girls were younger, it doesn’t work now but at the time they loved it! I love the idea of giving chores a storyline, how cute. x
These used to work so well when my kids were younger, they are great tips.