How to keep 2 boys busy, while u do chores?

[MikeArmstrong]

I need some ideas on how to keep my 4-6 yrs old boys, busy while i clean the house. all they really do is watch tv and when i think i have got something done. its already a mess again. we go to the park once a day. but it doesnt help while i am cleaning. Also they are both ADHD (Attention Defeset Hyperactive Disorder). And i need some advice on how to get them to take like a 30 min nap. without world war III happening..


PLEASE HELP

[Will'sdad]

Can you get them to help with the chores? Maybe tell them they can't watch TV until the house is clean?

[MikeArmstrong]

well it works for a little bit, and then they get bored and throw temper tantrums

[DaddyO]

I try to hold mine accountable for the messes they make by not letting them go on to another play activity without first cleaning up the mess they made. I also don't tolerate the tantrums much anymore. As soon as they start w/ the tantrums they go to time out in bedrooms. And, if it continues I give them more jobs to do around the house, particularly nasty/dirty jobs that they hate.

I have them help routinely around the house but I try to break it up so they don't have more than 15 minutes or so to do at a time. I give them a job and tell them if they finish in x amount of time they can go play for awhile otherwise I will give them an additional job. Once they realize there is no escape they comply pretty well.

[troy00690]

Our 7 year old has been really good about helping with chores around the house. Cleaning rooms he can't stand unless he gets to vacuum everything else he loves. Getting our 2 year old to clean usually results in more of a mess. I have been home for about 3 weeks now and I am getting to start taking his cars upstairs or they may get lost.

[buster]

First, do you feel like you have an effective strategy for dealing with tantrums (hopefully not getting sucked in emotionally)? Then you could offer acceptable choices, "You can help daddy clean or play, color, read, sleep, etc. nicely in your room (not as a time out though)". I think it is important and okay for them to have quiet time alone for a bit each day outside of nap-time. good luck, I'll be in a similar situation soon when both of mine get older. My 2 yo still thinks the 6 month old is fun and cute. As a tormented and tormenting little brother, I'm sure it won't last.

[silviomossa]

I doubt that naps are worth the struggle at that age. If they are done with them, then it's not going to happen.

I'd suggest having a bit of "quiet time" in their room, listening to a CD or looking at books. But, ADHD may make that difficult. I'm not sure, but it works for some kids around here.

[chopperglide]

i just started this this past sunday so i am still new...BUT it is working great so far. With my three i play i spy to get them to clean stuff. I sit and spy all their crap and they love it...we played for like an hour last nite, i don't know when they will catch on but i just keep thinking it won't last...but at least a week of peace is better than none....oh yeah, mine are 6,3 and 2, just so you know

[Porschephile]

I think I'll try I spy with Shawn, does it work with the 2 year old? 8)

Shawn 23 months
No Name 5 Weeks

Dada Dennis

[chopperglide]

he really seems to get into it when the girls are into it...as soon as they are done so is he.