Keeping a home organized with kids around- tips for busy moms
Keeping a home organized with kids around can sometimes feel like an impossible mission.
Toys on the floor, dishes in the sink, and laundry piles that never seem to end—sound familiar? The good news is that keeping a home organized with kids around can be possible if you get your kids involved in household chores. I know it can mean a daily battle, but I have some tips that have worked for me.
You can use a chore chart
A chore chart isn’t just about keeping your house clean—it’s about creating a sense of teamwork and responsibility within your home. Here are a few key benefits:
⭐ Encourages Responsibility – Kids learn that everyone plays a role in maintaining the home.
⭐Reduces Parent Burnout – When everyone chips in, moms and dads aren’t stuck doing everything alone.
⭐Builds Time Management Skills – Kids learn to balance chores with schoolwork and playtime.
⭐ Motivates Independence – Simple tasks help kids build confidence in their abilities.
Teaches Life Skills – Cooking, cleaning, and organizing are skills they’ll need as adults.
How to Set Up a Family Chore Chart
Creating a chore chart that works takes a little planning.
Follow these steps to set up a system that keeps your home running smoothly:
1. Make a List of Household Chores
Start by listing out all the tasks that need to be done daily, weekly, and monthly.
Some common household chores include:
- Making the bed
- Setting and clearing the table
- Sweeping or vacuuming
- Taking out the trash
- Folding laundry
- Feeding pets
- Cleaning the bathroom
- Watering plants
There is a list of common tasks in my FREE Cleaning Binder, grab it here.
Assign Chores by Age
Not all tasks are suitable for every age group. Here’s a quick guide to what kids can handle:
⭐Ages 2-4:
- Putting toys in a bin
- Wiping small spills
- Placing dirty clothes in a hamper
⭐Ages 5-7:
- Making their bed
- Feeding pets
- Helping set the table
⭐Ages 8-10:
- Taking out the trash
- Folding laundry
- Sweeping the floor
⭐Ages 11+:
- Washing dishes
- Mopping floors
- Helping with meal prep
Choose the Right Chore Chart Format
A good chore chart should be visual, easy to update, and accessible to everyone.
Here are some formats you can try:
📌 Printable Chart – A simple paper chart where kids can check off completed tasks.
📌 Dry-Erase Board – A reusable option that allows you to switch up tasks easily.
📌 Magnet Board – Assign chores using magnets with names or pictures.
📌 Digital Apps – Chore apps like Cozi or OurHome can track tasks electronically.
Set clear Expectations
- Decide how often each task needs to be done.
- Explain how to do the chores properly.
- Be consistent with reminders and follow-ups.
Grab this FREE Chore Chart below. It is a fillable PDF, you can print it out, or use it as a digital file! Perfect for family or kids chore chart.
Start Small and Build a Routine
If your kids are new to chores, don’t overwhelm them with too many tasks at once. You can start with just one thing they have to do daily or every week. Once they get used to it, gradually introduce more responsibilities.
Making Chores Fun & Engaging
Chores don’t have to feel like a burden! The key to long-term success is making chores feel like a natural and positive part of daily life.
Here are some ways to make household tasks more enjoyable for your family:
- Turn Chores into a Game – Play upbeat music, set a timer for a “clean-up race,” or challenge kids to finish their tasks before a song ends.
- Make It a Family Effort – Doing chores together makes the workload lighter and more enjoyable. For example, folding laundry as a family can be a time to chat and connect.
- Create a Routine – Kids thrive on structure. Assigning chores at the same time each day makes it easier for them to remember.
- Encourage Teamwork – Emphasize that everyone contributes to keeping the house running smoothly. Older siblings can help younger ones, and parents can model positive attitudes toward chores.
- Use a Reward Chart – Keep track of completed chores with stickers or checkmarks. A simple reward system can encourage consistency and motivation.
Yu can even use AI to help you with ideas! ChatGPT is great for creating chore charts or coming up with fun family activities. Check out our guide on how to use ChatGPT to simplify your household tasks.
You can download a FREE printable reward chart below to get started!
To make it easy you can get a FREE Reward Chart for Kids below:
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Keeping a home organized with kids around can be challenging because you might run into some resistance.
Here’s how to handle common challenges:
🚫 “I don’t want to do my chores!”
✅ Solution: Give kids choices. Let them pick between two tasks so they feel some control.
🚫 Forgetting to complete chores
✅ Solution: Set reminders or use alarms to help establish a routine.
🚫 Complaints about fairness: This happens a lot with siblings!
✅ Solution: Rotate chores regularly so no one gets stuck with the same task every time.
Don’t forget your Chore Charts!
To make getting started easier, I’ve created a simple Family Chore Chart that you can print and customize for your household. Grab your FREE copy included in the Cleaning and Declutter binder and start turning chores into a team effort!
You can also
👉 [Download Your Free Chore Chart Here]
👉 [Bonus: Download Your Free Reward Chart Here]
What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to getting kids involved in chores? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to help! 😊