Hello!

I am having a dilemma in getting my kids to do chores.
They both spend most of their time on games and the internet. Even when I make them do some chores, they rarely do it properly and this adds to my frustration. Any ideas?


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  • I’m struggling with the same thing, although its not always. Some days they are great and just do what they have to and even ask to help but then other days they whinge and sulk when asked to do anything.


  • Perhaps point out that the internet and games are a privilege that you will give them only if they do what you ask eg chores. Perhaps you can also ask why it is so hard to do the chores and try and engage them to discover if there is a problem other than laziness!…. eg I discovered mine wont wash up because of the dishwashing liquid and their skin problem; so I ask them to put things away; or use gloves if they really have to do it because I’m away.


  • In the morning i do not allow any internet or device. But my 13 year old daughter is in the sleep in mode so it is not easy when the 6 year old is up and ready to rock for the day. I also take away pocket money if the jobs are not done.


  • Turn off the internet and games until they have done the chores. It sometimes helps to get the chores done before they start playing etc so they are not interrupted from this time. Make them aware that you also want some down time so if everyone pitches in and get the work done then everyone benefits.


  • Miss 16 gets $20 a week if she does her jobs through the week. If those jobs aren’t done or aren’t done properly, she gets nothing and I refuse to buy luxuries for her throughout that week. If she wants to go buy something for lunch or wants to buy herself anything special she has to use her money.


  • my teenagers have set chores to do, if they are not done properly they have to come back and start again! I rarely have to threaten them with changing the wifi password though I do have to put up with the fighting! After school jobs are to be done straight after school then food and homework or if there is no homework they can have their free time. I have just started getting my 16 year old son to help with the cooking as well


  • Forgot to mention that when mine are stuck with their nose in their devices, so much so that they’re not willing to help or show interest, we do disconnect the wifi so they can’t play


  • I wish I knew! I will be following with interest. Mine are great kids but not helpful when it comes to housework.


  • We have tidy up time before dinner. Dinner is not being served until the mess downstairs is tidied. Besides that I expect all kids to tidy and clean their bedrooms once a week. We do this Sunday arvo. Afternoon snack only after tidying. Sometimes I promise a reward for an extra good clean up job. I expect them to help me with chores during the day and they do.


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