Progress report: My kids actually helped with yard work today

Dec 25·1 min read

I'm not exaggerating when I say this never happens. My 9yo and 11yo both typically find excuses or just complain the entire time I'm trying to get them outside. Today I tried a different approach and offered them actual money per task instead of the "you live here so you help" argument. Got like 3 hours of solid work out of them. Yes it cost me $25 total but that's probably the best ROI I've had all year. Might be onto something here.

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Comments(6)

RRon D.New DadDec 25

The fact that this is so noteworthy says everything about how kids respond to being asked to do stuff without choice. Good on you for mixing it up instead of just demanding compliance

HHugh S.RegularDec 26

This right here. Actually sounds like a W that deserves celebrating. Did you like reward them or just acknowledge it in the moment?

RRussell D.RegularDec 26

My 10yo will actually help if I frame it as "the yard looks rough, what do YOU think we should tackle first" instead of just assigning tasks. Suddenly he's invested

RRich B.RegularDec 26

honestly one of the most underrated parenting moves is just treating your kids like their ideas matter. even when you were already gonna do that exact thing anyway lol

PPat H.New DadDec 28

what was the different approach?? i need this info because my kids are the exact same way and yard work is basically a negotiation nightmare every single time

JJames H.RegularDec 26

my guess is you made it a game or let them choose what to do first, right? that's the move. once they have agency over the task suddenly it's not a chore