As homeschooling moms, we understand that education is more than textbooks and tests. It is discipleship, character formation, and preparing our children for life. That is why in our home, part of our homeschooling program includes intentional time to train children in chores.
We want our children to not only grow in wisdom and knowledge but also in responsibility, stewardship, and service.
In this blog, I’ll share 10 practical tips we use in our home to train children in chores, using one of our monthly bathroom deep-cleaning sessions as a hands-on example.
These tips are tried and tested, rooted in biblical principles, and infused with grace. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or seeking new ways to make chore training joyful and effective, I pray this post encourages you.
-
To Train Children in Chores, Begin With Prayer
Before we begin any chore session, especially when we train children in chores, we start with prayer.
We ask the Lord to help us work diligently, joyfully, and together in unity. It sets the tone for the day, reminding us that we are not just doing tasks—we are serving God and each other.
Even little ones benefit from this spiritual rhythm. Prayer invites God into the ordinary and transforms it into worship.
As they grow older and grasp the chore routine, they become aware of the fact that the chore is part of their growth in wisdom and stature, bringing glory to God as they complete the assigned task.
Faith-based parenting starts with a posture of dependence on God.
-
Skills Are Caught, Not Just Taught
Remember the old saying—more is caught than taught? That holds true when teaching homeschooling life skills.
It’s easy to assume our children know what to do when we tell them, “Go clean the bathroom.”
But skills, like cleaning, are learned over time and through repetition. That’s why we don’t just instruct—we demonstrate.
Children catch on better when they see us doing what we’re teaching them. If we want to train children in chores effectively, we must be willing to work alongside them.
In our home, when our children were younger and I was training them in chores, we did a monthly thorough bathroom cleaning session together.
During this time, I showed them how to remove items from the space, where to start cleaning (always from top to bottom!), and how to use cleaning supplies safely and effectively.
Don’t assume they know what to do. Show them what to do, do together a few more times before letting them do on their own, and supervised, whenever possible, especially when they are young.
-
Work With a Schedule
Children thrive with routine. When chore time is scheduled and consistent, it becomes a normal part of life rather than an occasional burden.
For us, the monthly deep clean was scheduled. Each week, our young girls were also responsible for lighter maintenance cleaning.
This rhythm not only builds habits but also fosters anticipation and responsibility.
A homeschool chore schedule is key for a homeschooling family. When you train children in chores using a predictable routine, they begin to take ownership. They know what’s expected and can look forward to the bonding time and satisfaction of a job well done.
-
Repeat Often—and Joyfully
Repetition is essential. One training session isn’t enough. To truly train children in chores, you need to walk with them repeatedly through the task. And do it with joy!
I’ve honestly had to remind myself that one of the reasons why I chose to be at home was to be available to train our children. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Training is not easy. It not only necessitates time, it requires my presence… and lots of patience of course!
Children don’t master chores after one or two attempts. Be patient and be prepared to repeat lessons until they stick.
When we train children in chores, repetition is part of the discipleship process. It’s how we embed habits and reinforce responsibility.
Don’t grow weary in the repetition. Instead, view each time as planting seeds of responsibility and diligence that will bear fruit in due season.
Over time, your children will become more confident and capable, and you’ll see the progress.
I see little snatches of the benefits of this training now that our children are older and don’t require the fairly tedious supervised training I did when they were younger.
As I see them do their assigned chores without being told or supervised because they know it’s part of their routine, I see the reward of training chores to children when they are young.
-
To Train Children in Chores, Lead by Example
One of the most powerful teaching tools we have is our example. Our children need to see that we are not above the chores we assign.
I clean my space too. I scrub, mop, and organize right alongside them.
To train children in chores well, as part of biblical parenting tips, we must model the servant-hearted attitude we want them to adopt.
They are watching—not just our hands, but our hearts. Let’s show them that work done unto the Lord is meaningful and joyful.
-
Teach Technique with Patience
As I mentioned earlier, repetition and leading by example require patience. Keep in mind that you are in this for the long haul.
For example, when we deep clean the bathroom, we start by removing everything from the space. Then we soak surfaces with water and cleaner to loosen dirt. We clean the floor first, then the walls, always from top to bottom.
We take time to teach how to scrub basins, rinse surfaces, and dry them properly. I demonstrate cleaning the toilet and let my daughters take turns, with supervision. We clean the sink together. And yes, we even clean the toilet brush and its container. Should I add, then we repeat next time?
Training means taking the time to explain and show—not once, but again and again.
Trust the Lord for the long haul mentality. Embrace the season of training with grace. As you patiently train, you will experience the blessing of watching your children become responsible as they grow.
-
Improvise and Be Resourceful
Homemaking doesn’t have to be expensive. You can train children in chores while teaching them creativity and stewardship.
We often use what we have on hand—old clothes as rags, homemade all-purpose soap, and even a mop to remove cobwebs from the ceiling.
Don’t let the lack of fancy supplies hold you back. Use what God has given you, and teach your children to do the same.
Teaching practical skills to children doesn’t require fancy equipment—just creativity and consistency.
-
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
When we first began training, our girls missed spots, forgot steps, and needed reminders. But over time, they improved.
That’s why teaching kids responsibility means celebrating growth, not expecting flawlessness. Encourage their efforts and point out how they’re getting better each time.
The goal isn’t a spotless home—it’s growing children who are willing and able to serve. When you train children in chores, don’t expect perfection. Instead, celebrate effort and growth.
Each time they clean, they get better. Each month, their confidence grows. Let’s encourage their progress and extend grace where needed. A little patience goes a long way.
This reminds me of my mentor who lived a block away from where I lived as a young unmarried girl.
I had opportunity to watch her train her young boys in chores. The process seemed tedious at the time. I even found myself wondering if spending her whole Saturday deep cleaning her home with her children was even worth it. This was especially because she took twice or thrice as long as she did if she cleaned herself!
Her boys, now responsible young men, became my motivation for training my children in chores. In their teens they knew how to clean the house, host guests, and cook a whole meal.
I share this story to encourage you. It won’t be easy but it won’t be in vain. You will soon enjoy the fruit of your labor of love.
-
Be Frugal Where You Can
Chore training is also an opportunity to teach money management. In our home, I make my own all-purpose cleaning soap and hand wash to save on costs.
I’m even exploring how to make bar soap, homemade disinfectants, and toilet cleaners.
When you train children in chores, you can simultaneously teach them to steward resources wisely.
They learn that homemaking is not about buying every product but about making the most of what we have.
Incorporating teaching practical skills to children like these helps them become problem-solvers and good stewards.
-
Make It Fun and Trust God
Finally, make it fun! Play worship music, laugh together, share stories. Chore time can be a beautiful time of bonding.
In our home, when my girls were younger and I was training in chores, they actually look forward to cleaning days because they knew it meant quality time with mama.
Trust God with the process. When you train children in chores with love and consistency, you’re sowing seeds of diligence, faithfulness, and service that will remain.
Training children at home is a long but joyful journey. Enjoy the process. You’ll look back to this moment with gratitude, knowing you’ve created beautiful memories for your children too.
Final Thoughts
Teaching our children chores is part of preparing them for life and ministry. When we train children in chores, we’re not just lightening our load—we’re equipping future women and men of God who will build and bless their own households one day.
If you found these tips helpful, please share your own chore training experiences in the comments! Let’s encourage and learn from each other.
Also, don’t forget to check our YouTube Channel where I answer more questions about biblical womanhood, homemaking, homeschooling, and parenting. You are welcome to subscribe to our channel Formations of a Noble Woman for more Christ-centered content that supports your journey as a wife, mother, and homemaker.
Also, sign up here to receive our FREE weekly newsletter for more content and encouragement.
Until next time, keep training your children in the way they should go—and may your home reflect the love and wisdom of Christ.
With grace, Clara
Recommended:
Raising Godly Children in a Busy World
7 Ways to Be a Godly Mom