my oldest is 8 yrs
2007-03-04 12:29:31 · 13 answers · asked by brans59 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Inspiring a child at 8 years of age is almost impossible. LOL!!! I can only write to you from experience.... you have to give them chores they can do. Some parents expect an awful lot from young kids. making their beds, putting their toys up, sweeping, a little mopping, putting away laundry, emptying the garbage, etc. Have a weekly chore chart and of course they can earn an allowance or reward. Kids will moan and groan and try very hard to "forget" or just not do the chores. I try to make it fun by playing loud music and acting silly by dancing or singing along to whatever song we are listening to and they start laughing and they get into a better mood and start doing their chores. Staying positive and really praising them for their efforts works really great!
Good luck to you!!!
2007-03-04 12:44:44 · answer #1 · answered by blueyonder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kids like to do chores, but mainly when something fun or a goal is implemented so that they feel that they're doing something for themselves as well as the house. With each chore completed they get a star, or whatever kind of reward, and if they don't they dont' get a star. And if they are still not "catching" on, take some priviledges away like games or toys. So give them a goal to attain through cleaning, and that will promote positive reinforcement.
2007-03-04 20:43:02 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. PHILlis (in training) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give them an award. Allowance is good. Be stern in a nice way. Don't yell, but show them whos boss. I do think that 8 is young age. Picking up toys is not bad tho. They shud b able 2 clean up after themselves at tht age or even younger. =]
2007-03-05 00:01:20 · answer #3 · answered by xoiloveyoohlikewoahx3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My kids are 2.5 and 4.5 and I know how frustrating it can be!! I have to take a deep breath sometimes to stay calm!! I was advised to turn clean up time into a game. It took a few times for it to work, but now my kids are getting pretty good at it. We see who can put toys into the basket fastest, we see who can stack the books the neatest, ect. It helps too when I tell them we will do something special if they help me get it done quickly like making cookies or going to the park/library, things like that.
Good luck!!
2007-03-04 20:41:39 · answer #4 · answered by potato 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Provide some kind of motivation for it! Have them work towards a special privilege (think about things that your children like to do..movie, going out to eat at a favorite restaurant, special time with a parent, etc). You can do this by keeping a chart that is posted up in your house. Having this visual aid really works. It becomes a way for them to display their accomplishments (great self-esteem booster).
2007-03-04 20:37:37 · answer #5 · answered by lac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on their age, make each chore worth something they value. Cleaning thieir room = 30 mins of tv time/video games/computer time, helping fold laundry = 15 of video games/tv time/computer time. I use this for my 9,12 and 14 year old for everything from folding laundry, cleaning their rooms to dishes and trash. It seems to work for me.
if your children are younger, make a game of it. Children love to do things if its a game. Turn on a timer and tell them if we beat the timer we get to go to the park, or outside for 30 mins or help mommy bake cookies. The prize at the end for younger ones isnt necessarily the biggest deal..making it fun is the biggest part. Also for preschoolers and toddlers doing it with them models behavior and this will become a natural thing for them.
2007-03-05 14:01:08 · answer #6 · answered by okie_goddezz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a three year old and we offer him money for the good things he does. If he picks up his toys everyday he gets a dollar a day. and extra things get an extra 25 cents. And at the end of the week we let him go to the store and buy whatever he wants with his money.
2007-03-04 20:57:42 · answer #7 · answered by Kristin R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I agree with Bullwinkle, don't use food as a rewward. You will be teaching your children how to be emotional eaters.
You know, ice cream when the boyfriend doen't call, a chocolate bar when you pass a test that kind of thing.
I set up a "treasure chest" filled with dollar store items. My daughter got to choose when she did a good job.
We know use allowance as a motivator.
2007-03-04 20:39:04 · answer #8 · answered by Crazymom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn on the stereo and dance...make a game out of it by who can finish a chore first...take them to the park or zoo at the end of the week if they have done a good job...
2007-03-04 20:43:33 · answer #9 · answered by Proud Mommy of 6 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make it fun, turn it into a game. My daughter loves picking up her toys and cleaning the table. If you have fun with it they will too. Although I got her into it when she was very young.
2007-03-05 07:10:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋