10 Things to Teach Your Kids To Do Everyday

Are you living a complicated life? I often feel that way. Often I feel like my to-do list is longer than hours in the day. Everyday there’s a seemingly never ending stream of things to be done, cleaned and organized in my house and on top of that, three kids that need to be fed, helped with homework and driven to and from multiple practices. It’s no wonder that I love that glass of wine at night! Life will always be “busy” with kids, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. I try and make sure my kids are aware that there are other people living in our house besides themselves and that things just don’t get done magically. If they aren’t involved in helping to keep things running smoothly, now is the time to get started. Here are 10 things to teach your kids to do everyday to help make your home run happier and healthier, with maybe just a few less things for mom (or dad) to do.

No Devices at Dinner Time

Even if it’s just waffles, I try to be sure we eat as a family every simple night- well at least the kids and I if the husband is working late. We always have the no devices at dinner table rule and I think it’s a great one for everyone. Disconnect while eating together as a family. Talk, ask questions, tell jokes- whatever. Use this time to connect with your kids. Also, bright screens will inevitably be a distraction and will inhibit good conversation and discussions throughout your meal.

Make your Bed Everyday

Make it a habit to start your morning by accomplishing this task. Even if it’s not perfect, it definitely makes the room feel cleaner (which can be a miracle in my kid’s bedrooms!!) This simple chore helps to set you up for a more productive day- for you and your kids.

Dirty Clothes Go IN the Dirty Basket

You’d think this one would be easy, but it can be challenging for some kids for whatever reason!! Piles of dirty clothes around the house create chaos before bedtime. This is another simple task that can make your bedroom seem cleaner and more organized. My kids all have their own laundry basket, which seemed to help make it easier for them to remember to put their dirty clothes away.

If You Use Something up, Tell Someone or Write it Down

Were you the last one to finish the dish soap or cereal? Teach your kids to tell a grown up or have a place where they can help to write it down so you can get it the next time you are at the store. This will help to save yourself from going without your needed supplies and making life more annoying when you reach for something and it’s gone.

Along with that…Fill up Something When It’s Empty!

There’s nothing more annoying then when you need to use the bathroom and there is no toilet paper! Teach your kids that it just doesn’t magically appear on its own, show them that if they use the last of it, they can replace it with more- or at least tell a grown up if they can’t access it. They shouldn’t just leave a finished roll of cardboard next to the toilet.

Put the Toilet Seat Down After You are Done

Yes boys and girls. It’ll save the next person from falling in and it makes your bathroom look more pulled together. It’s not rocket science!

Wipe the Counter & Sink Down After You Brush Your Teeth

What is it with kids and toothpaste?? Any time mine brush their teeth it’s like they went to war with the toothbrush container and lost. Make clean up easier by keeping some kid-friendly cleaning wipes underneath the bathroom counter and teach them to use to clean up whatever messes were made when they were suppose to be brushing their teeth.

Open Your Bedroom Blinds or Curtains in the Morning

Natural light can immediately give your mind a boost of energy and help you get the day started on the right foot. Plus it saves on your electric bill.

Don’t Ask Where Something Is Unless You’ve Already Looked for It

Seriously though, don’t be lazy kids! I hate when mine ask me where something is and they didn’t even look at where it is suppose to be. This is easier to do if your kids rooms aren’t a total disaster and things have a place, but not impossible to do otherwise. This is especially important to implement if you have little ones so they can get in the habit of looking on their own before they ask you.

Read Everyday

Yes, everyday!! Even on our most busy days, my kids know that they need to read for at least 15 minutes before bedtime. No tablets, no phones, just them and a book. It’s a nice way to calm then down before bed and boosts their reading abilities at the same time.

Life can be chaotic but by teaching your kids to do these simple things everyday, it will not only make your life a little easier, but it will help to set them up for success as they get older. What would you add to the list?