My younger children love to help with chores, but when it is time to let them, an inward struggle takes place with me.  It’s not that I mind them helping, but when it’s time to stop, they throw a trantrum.  I finally discovered a secret to smooth transitions and am excited to use it again!

First, I made my chore supplies child friendly.  My window spray is 3 drops of joy dish soap in 4 cups of water with a little blue food coloring to make it look store bought.  The kids can use it on windows, counters, cabinets…pretty much anywhere.  And it won’t hurt them either.  I hand them a dry blue huck towel to clean with. 

Here’s the trick:  Se the timer!  Let them know that chore time is only until the timer dings.  Then have a fun activity planned for after chores, such as playdough, a paint with water book, or a snack.  Let them go for it with their cleaning rags and when the timer goes off, it’s time to hand over the spray bottle quietly (and no one will get hurt :).  When the tots are happily engaged in the new activity, sneak off to check their work and wipe off any smears or drips they left behind. 

The goal is to nurture the enthusiasm of the chidren to help, by keeping the work sessions short, removing criticism or need for discipline, and rewarding a job finished with a fun activity.  I wish I had thought of that when my first 2 were little.