Chores are the necessary evil. Over the years, I have worked hard to get my children to take pride in chores. Many books have I read to see what is age appropriate for each age group.

Since I have three now, teaching them new chores takes a little more time. I have compiled a list of some tips that have helped me get chores done with multiple children.

One on One Chores

Having one do chores with me has helped. I try to use varied times so that too much chaos does not erupt. In our home that works ok. Some days I am still pulled in a million directions.

I start out by training one child on one new chore each day. Our daily chores are easy. Teaching them, and working with them helps with problems that may arise.

While I am working with one, I will have the other two starting on something different. Maybe one finishes breakfast while the second one completes piano practice. All chores are done in a good time.

Household Management Obligations

I think as mother’s we feel the obligation to run the home, get to the laundry, cook the meals, clean the home, take care of the kids and get them to all of their activities.  All of this AND maintain a clean home.

I am overwhelmed just looking at my list some days. To avoid living stressed out, and still spend time with my kids setting up a cleaning system and setting a time really helped.

I explained that we do not want to live in a dirty home, or one that we are walking over stuff to find the door.

When to Schedule my Chores

I am a homeschool mom. Understanding that my home will not be as clean or perfect as other homes is realistic. I can only do what is within my reach.

Stacking a huge load of cleaning on a homeschool day is not helpful. Instead, my chores are broken up daily. Each day I do one or two five minute tasks.

Creating a cleaning schedule that is feasible for me keeps my stress level down.

Setting a Cleaning Limit

Because then I know that I have 15 min. and can get some basic housework done, or I can find a 15 min. task on my to do list. I live by my to do list.

Another tip to get chores done with multiple kids is to vary kitchen days. No one complains too much if they do not carry the full load. A few months ago I had the idea to let one child do Mon./Wed./ Fri.

A second child takes kitchen chores Tues/Thurs/Sat. Each day after lunch I clean up the kitchen. My youngest helps by bringing cups and plates to the sink.

Choosing a Cleaning Task

Mark the most important cleaning task. Do that first. I do not work methodically with a list. I write my one cleaning task for the day on an index card. Otherwise, I get distracted and lose focus.

My index cards are used weekly, monthly, and yearly. Since I implemented this cleaning system cleaning has not been overwhelming.

No, it won’t be perfect, but it will be done.

A full house means a lot of dirt. the children do the chores in the morning, so I pick up the afternoon. A little bit everyday helps to keep our home somewhat company ready at all times.

I don’t operate well in chaos. For me to be relaxed the basics have to be completed, and something marked off of my cleaning list. Training my children to help with chores is ongoing. Just as, training them to read, play quietly, or color at the table while I clean is important so I get my chores done.

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