You know your child should do chores around the house. But somehow, this responsibility seems like a bigger chore for you than for your child.

Here are some ways to turn your child into a contributing member of your family:

• Start small. If your child isn’t used to helping around the house, pick a few things she can do well. Don’t say, “Clean your room.” Instead, say, “You pick up the things on the floor. I’ll hang up the clothes.”
• Help your child see that what she is doing makes a difference to your family. If she sorts the laundry, tell her that gave you time to bake a pie.
• Show her how. If you want a kid to set the table with the forks on the left, then show her how it’s done.
• Establish standards. Not all jobs have to be done perfectly. But make sure your child knows what you expect. For example, if she takes out the trash, that includes putting a new bag in the trash can.

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