I’m trying to help my kids get into a habit of doing their tasks on their own, but I don’t want to keep reminding them all the time. Has anyone found a good strategy or method that actually works? Whether it’s through positive reinforcement, structured routines, or something else, I’d love to hear your tips and experiences. Thanks!
I found that giving a clear schedule so they know when it’s time for tasks helps a lot. I try to set a daily routine where my kids know what’s expected each day. At first, I would walk them through the process until it became part of their day. I would say, ‘It’s almost time for your chores’ as a hint rather than a command. Once they start doing it on their own, seeing how much fun it can be – especially when they get a little reward after finishing – really motivates them. It took some time, but now my kids take pride in completing their tasks without needing a constant reminder
I try to create a routine where my child takes ownership of his tasks. I once turned the cleaning up of toys into a race against the clock and it made a big difference. He began to see the time challenge as something fun rather than work he had to be reminded about. I let him choose which tasks he did first, and he started to take pride in finishing on his own. It feels rewarding to see him motivated without constant prompts.
I remember those early days when my teens would need constant reminders. Eventually, I learned that laying out clear expectations from the start helped. I would set a specific time for tasks and explain each of their roles clearly. It didn’t happen overnight, and there were days when I had to step in, but gradually they started taking the initiative. I found that allowing them a chance to tweak their own schedules worked well especially with our 17-year-old who liked a bit more control, while my other one appreciated having simple rewards for remembering to check off her tasks. There were moments of frustration, but I quickly learned that a little extra patience on my part went a long way. It’s a process that each kid adjusts to in their own time and style .