• Start them young. Kids are ready for jobs around the house as early

  as age 3 or 4, and they want to help.

• Do it together. Kids are more likely to clean up if they have

  company, and it gives adults a chance to set an example.

• Make it fun. Play music or appeal to the kids’ silly side: “Mr.

  Crayon needs you to help him find his home.”

• Make a place for everything. Kids love brightly colored boxes and

  bins, and sorting is an essential developmental skill.

• Establish a routine. Set a time every day for putting away the toys,

  and stick to the schedule.

• Make boredom your ally. Take away privileges such as TV or video

  games when a child refuses to cooperate.

Enlisting teens:

• Embrace the change in your relationship. Accept that you’re

  preparing your teen to be independent of your care.

• Set a standard of neatness for shared spaces. Insist on respect for

  family furniture and living areas.

• Don’t label a teen “lazy” or a “slacker.” Allow him time to develop

  a sense of responsibility.

• Allow teens to select the jobs they want to do. Don’t insist that

  they mow the lawn if they’d rather do the dishes.

• Bribes do work — sometimes.

  A reward for a large job can be appropriate, but avoid linking chores to

  an allowance.

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Source: Chore Wars: Strategies for Victory in Every Household

by James Thornton (Conari, $13.95)

– James Thornton