How To Keep The Kids ‘Gainfully Employed’ This Summer: Preparation and Organization are the Keys!

BY KARLA PONDER, M.S., L.P.C.

 

The school term has come to an end and ahead of you stretches a long, hot summer and a challenge: How do I keep the kids occupied and maintain my sanity? Let’s keep them ‘gainfully employed’ and   not just busy! The answer takes some work initially for the parents, but will be a big benefit for the family in the long run. So, let’s get organized!

 

Use a system of Family Duties and Rewards. By rewarding children for their help with jobs around the house, you teach them that they are an important part of the family, to take responsibility for their behaviors, and that everyone has to do his or her part.

 

This system involves stickers for young children and tokens for older ones. Set aside a quiet time and explain that each child will have responsibilities for which they will be rewarded. (Notice I avoid the word “chores”). The first step is to decide, together, on the duties, rewards, and number of tokens or stickers they will earn for each completed task. A good way to begin the conversation would be to say, “These are the things we need to get done”. Have the children work out which chores they will complete. Use phrases such as, “as a family”, “when we work together”, and “everyone is important”.

 

Next, buy or make a chart for young children for stickers or token cups and decorative boxes for your older children. Let the kids decorate them so they can feel involved and excited about the project.

 

For children under four, give stickers a few times a day, as soon as possible after the behavior or task is completed. This will keep them interested. Some examples of tasks for this age group would be related to potty training, picking up toys, dusting the low places (they love this one, especially if you give them their own feather duster!), clearing their plate from the table, or going to bed cooperatively. The reward could be television time, an outing at the park, or a small toy at the end of the week.

 

For school-age children, a daily award resulting in a “gimmie” at the end of the week would be appropriate. Older children could turn in tokens for money. Keep the difficulty of the task, time between earning a sticker or token, and the reward age appropriate. In order to retain their motivation, keep the tasks from being too easy or too difficult. Some larger tasks could be alternated between children.

 

This plan takes preparation and staying organized. Parents need to be aware of what the kids are doing and reward their successes. The good news is, you will not have to remind or badger the kids to get their work done! The plan, once in place and with the right schedule of rewards, will keep things running smoothly.

 

The big picture here is that your children will learn important life-long lessons:

 

  • I am an important and necessary part of my family

 

  • I can set goals and work to achieve them

 

  • Good behavior is rewarded

 

  • I can manage my time and my resources.

Besides keeping your kids ‘gainfully employed’, they will have increased self-esteem and help them to grow into responsible adults.