Motivate: Choices and Consequences (Handouts)

　

~Motivate~


Choices & Consequences
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "Families unite when they do meaningful things together. Children should work together under the leadership of parents…" ("Parental Leadership in the Family", Ensign, June 1985)
 Be clear about what is expected and when it is to be done. (Don’t add to the job once it’s completed. Set a time to be done- before school or dinner, before you play with friends, or before screen time, etc.)

"When you are done _______ then you can _________."

 Break it down into steps, keep it simple (not so overwhelming for younger children). In our family we say: "Wash, brush, flush" for the morning and evening routine.
 Give them a choice. "Do you want to ________ or _________ first?" (out of the given chores or tasks). Let them choose the family jobs they do (on top of their morning and evening routines). Let them start making their own choices at a young age, such as "Which shirt do you want to wear?"


 Make it fun! (games, sing or whistle, listen to music, dance, etc.)

 Work together, at the same time. (Build your relationships as you talk, laugh, and enjoy the ability to work).

 Praise (pleasure of "thank you" or "good job" or even a smile or thumbs up can go a long way)

 Challenge (set a goal, give daily and weekly jobs)

 Example (teach them by having a positive attitude, and show them how to do the job. At first, you may need to work alongside them, or check their work. Help them learn how to get in those tough spots, how to make it shine.)

 Talk about how good you feel when you’ve finished the job, how much better it looks. Remember true and lasting motivation comes from within. The satisfaction of accomplishment-a job well done. (see "Motivating Learning in Young Children" handout for more details on this topic)

 Let them choose a reward once in a while. (see "Rotate" handout for ideas)
 Be consistent! Follow through with the daily, weekly chore expectations.

 Give appropriate consequences when jobs aren’t completed on time. (no TV, no friends, time out until they are ready to work, etc.)