Children need to participate in the maintenance of a clean home. Therefore you need to be prepared to involve them in this endeavor. Before you begin this task you must have a clear plan in your mind of what you would like to accomplish, what it is you need done, and that you are the leader in your home not your children.

Make a detailed list of what you would like your child to do. Ask yourself how much time you think this job should take? Can your child accomplish this job or are you setting the child up for failure? Be realistic and assign jobs according to age. Begin slowly. If you have not expected much from your child previously this will be a gradual process. Remember you are the leader do not allow yourself to get into shouting matches with your children. Simplify the project as much as possible. Be clear on what you expect and when you would like it accomplished. Be ready to receive input and negotiate, but do not allow yourself to be stonewalled. Be sure you have a limit as to how leniant you will be. Children can often have excuses that can sidetrack parents and the job is left undone. Make sure that your child has been paying attention when you give them the assignment. Ask them to verbalize what you want them to do. If they cannot. Rephrase or repeat instructions. One of the most important things is to make sure your child knows the consequences if the job in not carried out. Make sure the consequence are related to infractions. Most of all be positive, loving, and kind it goes a long way from oppression.

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