Make a chart with not only your children on it, but you and your husband as well. Post it up where everyone can see it. You can make it in the form of a schedule or in the form of a to do list. I would also recommend assigning a specific color marker for each person. This can be easier for younger children to understand if they know they have to do everything written in yellow. If your children aren’t of reading age, print or draw a picture of the chore and draw a border around it with their specific color.
Make sure there is consistency with their bedtime routine every night. Take a bath, get into their jammies, brush their teeth, and end it with a quiet activity. This does NOT mean video games. Instead try reading a story, or cuddling with mom or dad.
Reward children and yourself if you do happen to complete everything on your to do list. Whether it be a little candy, a sticker, or even a small toy. This can help teach children the form of reward. Take some time for yourself, you don’t have to be a martyr. If you accomplish everything on your own to do list, then you deserve to take a break after the kids go to bed. Go ahead, dig into that pint of Ben & Jerry’s!
