Chore Time: How Teamwork Helps

by Jen Tilley on October 22nd, 2014 | No Comments »

Raise your hand if you look forward to chore time. Anyone? I didn't think so. There's a reason why they are called "chores." But, when it comes down to it, they have to be done. Whether it's folding the laundry, putting away the dishes, vacuuming the carpet, dusting the bookshelves, or wiping down the windows, chores keep a home clean. Chores are also a great way to teach family members responsibility, accountability, and teamwork.

Recently, Mom It Forward hosted an event called Family Forward. During the event, Southwest Airlines had two pilots speak about what it takes to get an airplane off of the ground and in the air ... and that's when it dawned on us. It takes a team to get an airplane in the air, much like it takes a team to tackle chore time.

How to make chore time fun for kids

How To Conquer Chore Time

Let's take a closer look at how your family can get chores done, much like a flight staff can get an airplane off of the ground.

Responsibility:

Before the pilots even think about taking off, they must know where they are going and what they are required to do on every flight. That's why they have flight plans to tell them where they are headed and what they are responsible for during every flight.

How will you know what to do when it comes to chore time? It's simple! Start by creating a plan. Make a list of items that need to be done and assign each person to a task. It's important to set parameters early on for the successful completion of a chore. Also, make sure that family members understand that there will be repercussions if they only put forth a minimal effort or don't complete the chore. The plan will help teach family members responsibility. Chore time can help develop a sense of responsibility and self worth in a child. (Learn more tips for helping your children do chores.)

Accountability:

Make sure that each person is following through and completing the assigned tasks by checking in with each other. From pilots to flight attendants to mechanics, everyone needs to be on the same page prior to departure and after arrival.

As a family, you can hold a weekly meeting and an agenda item can be to discuss chore time and the "who, what, where, why, why, and how" to getting them done. During the meeting, chore updates can be shared and issues can be addressed. During the meeting, you can also discuss where improvement is needed and praise family members for a strong effort. (Download this free Family Meeting printable and this free Chore Chart printable to aid with chore time.)

Teamwork:

Much like a flight staff is a team, so is your family. As they say, there is no "i" in team, so help each other complete the tasks. From cheering the person on to holding family meetings to rewarding individuals for accomplishing chores, it's all about getting the team/family together in one supportive unit. All family members should be made aware that they are expected and necessary to a household running successfully and efficiently, just like every flight staff is made aware that they are expected and necessary to a flight running successfully and efficiently. (Learn more about how to make cleaning a family affair.)

How to make chore time fun for kids