10 clever ways to get kids to do chores

Getting kids to help around the house can feel like a full-time job. One day they’re on board, the next they vanish when it’s time to unload the dishwasher. With the right ideas, chores can shift from something kids avoid to something they actually want to do.

These 10 ideas take a different approach. They’re playful, hands-on, and designed to give kids more ownership, so they stay engaged and actually follow through.

1. Make chore trading cards

The idea: Create collectible-style cards for chores, complete with task names, point values, and fun titles like “Captain Compost” or “Dishwasher Dynamo.”

Why it works: Kids love collecting and customizing. Turning chores into something they can trade or level up keeps it fresh.

Try this: Print your own on card stock or use index cards. Kids can earn small rewards when they collect a full set.

2. Turn chores into secret missions

The idea: Give chores a spy-themed twist. “Agent Alex, your mission: locate and remove all socks from the living room.”

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Why it works: It adds storytelling to something that usually feels like a demand. That shift can be enough to make it feel fun.

Try this: Leave chore "missions" in envelopes, or deliver them in character using a walkie-talkie.

3. Launch a family fantasy league

The idea: Treat chores like a weekly competition. Each task earns points. Track scores and name an MVP at the end of the week.

Why it works: Leaderboards and friendly competition can boost motivation, especially for kids who love games.

Try this: Use a whiteboard, shared Google doc, or paper chart. Keep it lighthearted with silly prizes or titles.

4. Spin the wheel of chores

The idea: Create a spinning wheel filled with tasks, bonuses, and fun curveballs like “double points” or “choose a helper.”

Why it works: The randomness can make it feel more like a game and less like a demand. Kids feel more in control.

Try this: Use a physical spinner or a digital version online. Rotate chores weekly to keep it fresh.

5. Hold a weekly chore auction

The idea: Give each child a set amount of play money. Let them bid on chores they want (or don’t want) to do. They can even pay siblings to swap.

Why it works: It turns decision-making into strategy. Plus, kids start learning basic budgeting and negotiation.

Try this: Create a family “chore store” where they can spend earnings on privileges or small prizes.

6. Build a home economy

The idea: Assign dollar values to chores and let kids earn toward things they want, whether it’s screen time, a special snack, or saving up for something bigger.

Why it works: It teaches kids about earning, saving, and spending in a way that feels real to them.

Try this: Start with a few basic tasks and clear payouts, then add more options as your child gets the hang of it. Consider offering bonuses for consistent follow-through or surprise rewards for going above and beyond.

7. Create a chore time capsule

The idea: Snap before-and-after photos of rooms your kids clean, then review their “chore glow-ups” at the end of the week.

Why it works: It gives kids a way to see their progress. That moment when they compare a messy room to a clean one can flip a switch and make the effort feel worth it.

Try this: Let them choose their favorite photo each week and add it to a shared album or wall collage.

8. Add a ridiculous twist

The idea: Add fun rules to make chores playful. Fold laundry while humming a song. Sweep using only your non-dominant hand. Clean in superhero costume.

Why it works: Silly twists break up the usual routine and shift focus away from the task itself. That energy can help kids stay engaged, especially when they feel like they’re in on the joke.

Try this: Let your kids invent their own challenge-of-the-week. They’re more likely to get into it if they helped shape the rules.

9. Forecast the weekly chores

The idea: Have kids deliver a “chore forecast” like a weather report. Think: “Expect sweeping in the dining room and a 70% chance of bathroom cleanup.”

Why it works: Kids get a creative outlet while also processing what needs to be done. It turns planning into a performance.

Try this: Make it part of your Sunday routine. Record it or let them present it live.

10. Use tech to track progress

The idea: Use an app to keep everything organized—who’s doing what, when it’s due, and what they’ve earned.

Why it works: When kids can see what’s expected and what they’ve finished, it makes them more likely to stay on track. It also saves parents from having to micromanage every step.

Try this: Greenlight, the #1 family finance and safety app, lets parents assign chores, send reminders, and set up payouts tied to completed tasks. Kids can log in to check their list, mark things done, and watch their earnings grow.

Ending on a high note

There’s no one way to get kids to do chores. Some love competition. Others want a little freedom in how they help. What matters most is that the system works for your family, and makes kids feel like they’re part of something, not just getting bossed around.

Try a few of these ideas. Keep what sticks. And don’t be afraid to let your kids come up with the next great twist.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.