"How can I get my kids to help me with chores?"

Growing Connected with Dr. Jeffrey and Amy Olrick

In today’s episode, a mom wonders how to get her children to help her with chores. We talk about surprising ways to encourage kids to help from young ages, why creating a system where everyone contributes is so important, and how “doing with” a great way to grow our kids in responsibility over time.

Don’t miss the God Moment at the end from Sam Altis. It’s a beautiful reminder of God’s perfect, pursuing love for our kids—love that will follow them even when they’re grown.

Here’s the question:

Hi, I’m the mom of 3 kids, ages 3, 7, and 9, and I’m struggling to know how to get the older ones to do chores. I grew up with a mother who used to yell at me for not doing enough around the house. I don’t want my kids to experience that, but I don’t want to grow up thinking that they don’t have to lift a finger, either. My husband is a loving, playful father, but I don’t think he understands or values how much I do to keep everything running. Is there any hope that I can get them to help me without creating a lot of conflicts, or at least stop feeling so resentful?