How do I get others to work around the house? I am the only one working in a house of 6 and nobody wants to?

Question

the house work just piles up and i am left to do it by myself-i am the only one with a job(4 of the 6 are kids)

Answer 1

Delegate. Make it a requirement, not a request....especially for the kids. They should not be allowed to do things they want to do, until their chores are done. Period.

Other adults just need to be told that they can either help around the house, or contribute more financially (pay the "maid", in other words).

Answer 2

You don't say how old they are and that has an influence on how you handle it, but generally speaking announce a family meeting during which you state you piece and tell then what will be expected of them and why. Make a chart with each ones job on it and use stickers or stars to keep track of when they are done.
Explain to them at the meeting that you all have to work together as a family, Mom, Dad, sis and bro, and all the paying work and home work cannot depend solely on your head. Its time to grow up and join the family effort, offer a reward after a certain time if it goes well, a picnic or trip to an amusement park, make them feel like its a group effort.
If Dad isn't willing to go along with this then insist he get a job even if its part time. If he is in some way disabled then see to it that he supervises the kids. If you are the Dad then the same goes for the mom. If you are just living with a bunch of freeloaders, get the heck out.

Answer 3

Make a chart, everyone gets a room each day, room duties rotate each day. If they don't do their room for the day, no privileges ( no TV, video games, etc. whatever your kids like to do) All room must be done before they can do those activities. Trust me it goes easier after everyone gets used to the idea.
Monday=
dad- Kitchen (including dishes)
mom- Bathroom ( including toilet)
kid #1- Living room
kid #2- Dining room ( including setting and clearing the table)
kid #3- Laundry ( help sort and fold if not old enough to do alone)
kid #4- Trash
Everyone takes care of their own bedroom. If a child is too young to do chores then you could have a free day that rotates too. Make it work for you and stick to it. Everyone will be much happier when they know exactly what is expected of them and it disperses duties more fairly.

Answer 4

You know what I would do just let the house go without doing nothing, maybe and I mean maybe they will get up off their lazy a*s and do some work. I just hope they haven't gotten to comfortable with you always doing the work, because then they wont get off their a*s because they are use to you doing it and now they expect you to do it.

Answer 5

Well, turn off your cable, and throw out those video games...ok I know thats extreme...so just take them( or whatever it is that your kids enjoy) away for a time til you get some help and then they can have them back. I hope it helps.

Answer 6

Spread out the work and don't let receational activities go on until the chores are done.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Talk about frustrating! It is really annoying to be the only one willing to pitch in...


here's some advice on how to get others to help out (Hint, they're willing to clean if the cleaning happens when they sleep!)
http://coaches.aol.com/kids-and-family/kathy-peel/organizing.html?defaultTab=1&defaultItem=2

here's some tips on how to get your partner to help out
http://coaches.aol.com/kids-and-family/ann-pleshette-murphy/partner-help
http://coaches.aol.com/kids-and-family/joshua-coleman/chores-and-relationships
http://coaches.aol.com/kids-and-family/joshua-coleman/divvying-chores
http://coaches.aol.com/kids-and-family/feature/_a/perfect-mother-lazy-husband-joshua/20060901141409990001
http://coaches.aol.com/kids-and-family/feature/_a/introduction-lazy-husband-joshua-coleman/20060901134009990001