Shared Chore Technique
By Supernanny Team on 25/06/2014
If your day starts with something like, “Mum, help - he won’t get out of my room”, chances are you’ve got a couple of children who sometimes find it hard to get along. As seen on the show, the Shared Chore Technique aims to discourage sibling rivalry by showing the kids they can get along together (sometimes!).
The Shared Chore Technique
Like the Shared Play Technique, the aim here is to discourage sibling rivalry by encouraging children to work as a team with their brothers and sisters. In completing a joint chore without squabbling or fighting, they are learning to communicate on another level. You’re also giving your children some responsibility within the household, and you get to check one more chore off your list!
Getting brothers and sisters to work together
- Choose an activity which can accommodate all your children, like washing the car or cleaning out the fish tank.
- Give each of the children an area to clean (like car windows for older children and wheels for the little ones) or a duty to perform (one child cleans the fish tank whilst the other rinses the plants and stones). Praise them when they work together to get the job done.
- Supervise their work and make sure all the children are taking part and taking turns.
- Once they’re finished and packed up, do something as a family, praising them when they keep up the good behaviour.
- TV Clip - Shared Play Technique: With this technique, Mum learns how to stay calm and in control, teaches her children to share playtime and toys, and gains the respect of her children in return.
- Shared Play Technique: If you’re fed up with hearing the same old squabbles between your kids, encourage a bit of teamwork with the Shared Play Technique.
- Kids and chores: How to create some housework harmony: Check out our quick guide and get your family working together as a team to get the chores done!
- Family Routine: Setting up a Family Routine may help your family use time more effectively. Your child will be reassured by the routine's structure, and everyone will know what's expected of them.
- The Reward Chart: Positive attention and praise are the most effective rewards for good behaviour, and the Reward Chart is a useful way to reinforce good behaviour on the spot.
- Superstars Reward Charts: Saying ‘Well done’ to your child is the very best way to promote good behaviour. Download for free one of Supernanny’s ready-made Reward Charts.
- Forum: Share advice on this and other parenting topics in our discussion forum.