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There are a number of tasks you need to get your kids to do each day, and as a parent, it can be hard to motivate them. While mild threats and rewards work to a certain extent, it’s better to get your kids into a routine so that you aren’t chasing them all the time and wearing yourself out. Here are some of the duller tasks that kids need to do, and how to get them on board.

If you’ve ever had to come home from a long day of work, only to end up working on your laptop, you’ll be able to sympathize when kids say they hate doing their homework. Kids get an average of seven hours of homework per week in high school, but if they organize properly, they may only need to do an hour a night. Agree a study schedule with them and create an area where they won’t be disturbed. If they are struggling, look at how many extracurriculars they have and whether they need to be released from a few chores to give them more study time. 

Hardly anyone at any age likes doing chores, but it’s a fact of life. However, if you’ve ever asked a child to take out the trash or mow the lawn, you’ll know it’s usually met with flat out refusal or excuses. Instead of giving out tasks when they need doing, make a weekly list of age appropriate chores. They can then get started as soon as they’re home from school so that there’s no waiting around for you. If their chores aren’t completed, then you can instill penalties such as not giving them their allowance that week. This gives them an incentive to get moving.

When kids are small, it’s ok for them to be a little grubby at times. However, once they reach school age, they need to focus on their personal hygiene. Get them into a routine of hopping in the shower each morning and make sure they are well-stocked with deodorant once they reach a certain age. 

Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to prevent a number of conditions, and the sooner kids get into this habit, the better. According to Country Hills Dental Centre, there are a number of ways to get kids excited about tooth brushing. This ranges from brushing alongside your child to letting them pick a fun toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character. Kids need to brush for two minutes each time, which isn’t really that long, so set a timer or let them use a tooth brushing app to make it fun.

Some kids are more motivated than others, and if you have kids who procrastinate or simply don’t do their chores or look after their things, then you may need to look at techniques such as to-do lists or reward charts. Children learn responsibility from their parents, so it’s important to give them things to do and let them learn how to deal with day-to-day life.