Many of my clients seem to have trouble getting their kids involved in organizing the home. By the time I come into the picture mom’s are exhausted and worn down. Today, I heard from my client “Beth” who had these issues and she told me about one of the techniques she used that I suggested.

It’s simple. Make a list of chores that can be completed daily, weekly or monthly. Write each chore on one index card, fold them in half and place them in a fish bowl. Now make a list of fun rewards your kids would enjoy like more time on the computer, special candy, or even create a card that says “No Chores Today!” Fold each and place in the fish bowl. Use the system daily, weekly or however often you need. Have your child pick a card from the fish bowl and see what they fish out. It gives children an opportunity to have fun with chores, they like knowing there may be an exciting reward and you don’t have to become a demanding witch who draws out tantrums.

Beth put this technique into play a few weeks ago and she has been having a blast. She said her kids wake up first thing in the morning and instantly want to pick from the fish bowl. Her son even asked to pick out an extra chore. He was willing to take the chance to pick a chore for an opportunity to get a reward!!!

What this tells me is creativity goes a long way. Especially when it comes to getting organized. Using creative techniques like this one can reduce the amount of time you spend organizing and cleaning your home, it makes it fun for the kids and it doesn’t have to get boring. Replace old rewards with new ones, add different chores as the seasons change, create new rules like “do-overs.” If your child isn’t in the mood to do the chore they chose give them one do-over so they can pick another. The possibilities are endless.

Does anyone out there have other game ideas for kids to get them organized? I’d love to hear them.