How to Get Your Teenager to do Chores:

Now you might be thinking this may never happen, but in reality, it is much easier. Once puberty hits, it’s like trying to pull teeth to get your teenager out of their room, away from their devices or video games. It seems not even the call for food works anymore. Let’s be honest, video games and devices have become so alluring and fun for kids, it can be a battle and you feel you can’t win. I can’t help but feel some nostalgia of my own childhood when riding a bike, swimming in the backyard, or making up games with the neighborhood kids was everything. I’m sure my parents had an easier time getting us to do chores.

• You may think financial incentives are the only way, but this is where creativity and a desire to extract your kids from their devices take over. Start with a whiteboard (easily displayed on the fridge or a central location in your home) and draw out seven boxes. Starting week by week is easy, low stress and can be managed by your teenager.
• Pick any two days to start. For example, Monday can be unloading the dishwasher and Wednesday cleaning the bathroom sink. I think most parents overload the chore list to start and your whiteboard becomes a wall decoration instead.
• At the end of the week, reward. Make sure the consequence is an agreed-upon reward prior to the start of chores that both parent and teenager can be happy with. You may be surprised that your teenager may want something besides a monetary reward.  
• Be consistent. Don’t overpromise and underdeliver. If the agreed-upon reward is a trip to your local ice cream shop, make sure you are following through. This instills good habits in the home and rewards that can be counted on. Teenagers are more willing to do the work when they know you will always deliver.
• Find creative rewards. Please don’t include screen time. You would be amazed at how much your teenager will do when you get creative. Chores are done and they are learning valuable time making memories with the family. It’s a win, win. Find out what your teenagers reinforcers are (volunteer time at the animal shelter, taking a baking class or coding class or even a trip to the mall with friends) and be sure to include them in the process.  
• After a few weeks or months, add a couple more chores to the week. This step should only happen once you have consistent results within the first agreed upon two days. Never add chores/ days if the two days aren’t completed first and sometimes renegotiations are needed.
• Mix it up. You may find they are getting bored with the choices. There are plenty of chores in and outside the house and if you are noticing your teenager needs to learn something new, add those to the chore list. Renegotiate the terms and see how it goes. Remember, it’s a fluid list and both parties should be in agreement. Besides, learning a new skill in the home will only help your teenager move towards independence and they will be ready when they embark on their first job.