Parents of multiple children will understand the concept of sibling rivalry when it comes to chores. Perhaps your kids are arguing over their younger sister being able to do less of a chore while they are stuck shovelling the pet mess on the front yard. Other times your younger kids are upset that they can’t do the big kid chores and so on and so forth. Sibling rivalry is a given when it comes to raising more than one child and yes, it often occurs over chores. Kids don’t think they are all that fun (How is that possible?), they feel you’re definitely not being fair, and want to do precisely that “easy and super-fun” chore that you so unfairly assigned to their sibling – again!
While there is no foolproof solution to stop sibling rivalry from happening as a whole, since it’s simply part of being a sibling, there are some ways you can work towards curbing it from happening so frequently. Here are a few tips on how to stop sibling rivalry when it comes to chore duties.
Have a Chore Box
Many parents simply assign chores based on birth order and the capabilities they feel each child has. When you create a chore box, it allows all siblings to have a chance to do something small or large. Basically you will get an empty box and assign it as the chore draw box. Use index cards to write various chores on each card with a place for date and name. Place all of those cards within the chore draw box. When chore time arrives have each sibling picks a chore card. This will help offset the arguing over one kid having a specific chore every time and open the door to having your kids learn a new chore each time. If your kids like technology, Homey app enables you to assign chores as Free for All – which is like a virtual chore box your kids can pick chores from. You just set points and coins values for each chore (easier chores get smaller values) and decide how many points each kid needs to get.
Always Remain Positive
A positive parent will go a long way, seriously! Siblings will often fight more if they are watching you fight and argue all of the time. Let go of arguing over chores, set the example for your kids by learning to remain positive amidst sibling rivalry over chores. Use good communication and listening skills, try to hear what each sibling is truly saying when it comes to chores. Perhaps your younger kid simply wants to learn a new task or your older kid wants a little break from the high level chores. Figure out a positive solution that allows both siblings needs to be met, while still having the kids complete chores.
Create Teams
If you have enough kids to create teams when it comes to chore time this may be a brilliant idea to stop sibling rivalry with chores. Have older kids team up with younger kids as they work together in a team. Chores get done faster, each feels like they are part of something bigger than themselves and in turn you no longer have to listen to the incessant arguing of siblings. When you work to create teams for chore duties the kids will be so focused on working together that sibling rivalry with chores will naturally disappear as they work towards a larger solution, learning how to work together.
The best way to stop sibling rivalry with chores is to simply understand that you are not a magician. There is no one solution that will work to end sibling rivalry once and for all; however, you can use a few of these ideas to help curb sibling rivalry with chores and work to encourage a sense of togetherness within the household again.
About the Author – Brandy Ellen Tanner is a Positive Lifestyle blogger who works from home while raising her 3 children. Brandy spends her days writing inspirational content to help uplift others. Learn more about Brandy at BrandyEllen.com and read her other parenting articles at ParentInfluence.com.