3. Tie car privileges, etc. with jobs well done – Teen kids often get left out of the whole “making housework fun” process, but they also can thrive if provided with proper motivation. They also will handle progressive levels of responsibility as long as they know they are appreciated. You do not like to be taken for granted, why on earth would they.

4. Tackle chores together – Working with Mom or Dad allows the child to feel important and needed. It also gives you a great opportunity to teach them how to approach and conduct most chores. Your time with them will help you instill in them values that they will use the rest of their lives.

One note, do not be afraid to tackle a chore that you are not good at out of fear of losing prestige in their eyes. If you have to fix a faucet, for instance, but are a horrid handy-man (woman), do not be afraid of asking them to hold the wrenches or hand you tools, but also do not be afraid of asking someone who knows how to do something to join in and help. Let that person know before hand the reason for your asking and the reason for the child being there. There is positively nothing more exhilarating to a child than to be asked by the “expert” to help out while working with their role model, the parent. This lets them understand they are needed and appreciated. It also helps build self esteem and most importantly, you get to show them that asking for help is not only sometimes necessary, but natural.

5. Hold family meetings to discuss positive events – Using the family meeting to stimulate positive reinforcement is critical to letting your children know that their work is appreciated, noticed and up to your expectations. These should be informal events, maybe while having ice cream – something that allows the child to associate fun with a job well done.

6. Let the kids plan and cook meals – This is one way of teaching your children responsibility, the importance of following directions, thoroughness and the rewards for executing with precision. Planning and cooking a meal also teaches them how different foods interact and what goes into the successful planning of a meal. This is something they will be able to use throughout their lives, regardless of their gender.

7. Let the kids develop a grocery list and go shopping with you – By helping you develop the list, you can teach them how to assemble a well thought out and put together list of necessary and “special” foods. You also can teach them about planning a nutritious menu for the family. When you take them shopping, always watch out for your kids, but give them items to get that are within eyesight. 

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