Help your family reduce stress:

•Have a plan.  Kids thrive on routine and schedules with dates and times for chores, eating, sleeping, homework, and play times. 
•Train and encourage.  Try this:
1. Demonstrate alone
2. Do it together
3. Encourage the individual alone,
4. Allow for youth to complete the task independently, and
5. Praise them.

• Follow through.  Stick to the “plan” everyday.  Consistency reinforces positive behaviors along with consequences and rewards.

• Assign tasks.  Designate who does what and when according to their age and size to best help the family.  Identify the importance of their role.  Nothing boasts a child’s self-esteem more than praise for a job well done.