Many moms think their kids don’t need to help or are not capable of doing the chores.  For the most part, that is a misconception.  Kids often times want to help but don’t know what Mom wants of them.  Besides, if they had the ability and energy to mess it up they should be able to pick up the mess too.

You can make a game out of house cleaning with your kids.  Take a coffee can, decorate it with stickers, wrapping paper or whatever the kids want.  Write all the chores down on pieces of paper and put them in the can.  Have each child draw out the chores.  Set a time limit, say 15 minutes, and make it a contest to see how much work can get done in that time.  Whoever accomplishes the most gets a prize.  You can make a list of prizes they can choose from or have them suggest one of their own.  Younger kids, especially, love to run around picking up things and putting them away, dust, pick up trash, straighten their room or help make the bed.
 
It is important to give kids age appropriate jobs to do.  You wouldn’t want a 3 yr. old to vacuum so give them jobs like picking up toys and trash, help make the bed, and helping set and clear the table.  Kids 6 – 10 can add to that list laundry and dishes, vacuuming, mopping, doing dishes by hand or loading and unloading the dishwasher.  Older kids ages 11 and up can do everything listed above and mowing lawn, helping in the garden, and washing windows can be added to their list.