With all the demands of going out to work and parenting, there's often less time to devote to household chores. Don't fret - family members, especially children, can play an important part in creating a home that runs smoothly.

Children who regularly do household tasks learn to accept responsibilities. When kids fulfil responsibilities, they gain self-respect and learn competence. Children soon realise that certain jobs depend on them. And it's a good feeling for your child to know that he or she contributes to the family.

Dr. Martin Rossman at the University of Minnesota has done some important research in this area. He followed the lives of a group of young adults from their childhood to adulthood and tried to identify the important determiners of adult success. His research showed that the best predictor of a child's success is that they began helping with household chores at the ages of 3 to 4. These young adults who started learning personal responsibility in their preschool years were less likely to use drugs, more likely to finish their education on time and had better quality relationships than the children who started chores later or had no chores at all.

The easiest way to teach your kids to share the responsibility for regular chores around the house is to encourage their participation early. Basically, as soon as they're able to walk, they can begin to help you with small chores, like putting their toys away or tossing laundry into a basket. If you have older children, though, don't lose hope. It's never too late to begin making positive changes and teaching your kids responsibility.

Here are some easy strategies to help you enlist your children's help in doing household chores.

DO LET YOUR CHILDREN BE INVOLVED IN DECISION MAKING Responsibilities should be divided equally and fairly? Compile a list of who does what. If your child doesn't do his designated tasks, don't do them for him. Eventually, he'll get the feeling that his efforts are important to the overall functioning of the family.

DON'T STICK YOUR CHILD WITH THE SAME OLD JOB DAY IN AND DAY OUT

As the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life. Give him different jobs to do and he'll learn valuable and lasting skills. To add some fun elements in assigning chores, turn it into a game with the "Wheel of Chores". Cut out a circle from a big piece of cardboard. Divide the circle into pie-shaped wedges - one for each chore. Then, attach an arrow with a paper fastener. Have each family member take a spin to see what fate lies ahead.

DON'T COMPLAIN THAT YOUR CHILD DOESN'T DO IT "RIGHT"

He'll be less likely to help out willingly. Rarely will any child do a job as well as a parent might, but don't complain. With younger children, you'll need patience because as a beginner, children will need to learn over and over how to do a particular job. Be generous with your praise.

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS A PARENT CAN DO IS TO SET THE EXAMPLE OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

If you have a regular assignment (clean out the garage, etc.) do it on time and within expectation. Some parents say they try to never complain about their job, their supervisor or their co-workers, so the kids will know and see that they take their own responsibilities seriously. Being a good example makes it easier for your child to understand the importance of putting his or her height on household chores.

DO TEACH PROPER WORK METHODS

Whenever you're introducing a new task, make sure you teach your kids how to do it. From making their own beds to using the vacuum, make sure you demonstrate the skills you want your children to learn. Avoid bringing up past mistakes. Use yourself as a model. Be patient, the more your child does something, the easier it will become.

DO BREAK LARGER JOBS DOWN INTO PARTS

Don't tell your 13-year-old to do the laundry without first showing him how to sort the clothes, operate the washer and fold the laundry.

DO DISCOVER YOUR CHILD'S STYLE

Does he work better alone or with others? Is he a reader or a listener? Does he like step-by-step instructions or does he like to discover the best way to do something on his own? If your child likes to read, chances are he'll respond better to a written list of chores and instructions. Go with your child's style and he will be more willing to cooperate. Younger children tend to be more family-oriented and will enjoy working with a parent.

DO PUT WORK BEFORE FUN TO GET CHILDREN MOTIVATED

Make a time for work and give advance notice of upcoming work periods. This will help children accept assignments and plan other activities around home responsibilities.

AS YOUR CHILDREN BECOME MORE SKILLED IN COMPLETING CHORES AROUND THE HOUSE, MIX IT UP BY INTRODUCING NEW TASKS

For example, once your preteen has mastered the task of sorting laundry, consider whether he or she is ready to begin doing laundry! Even if you just started out with sheets and towels, it would be a huge load off your shoulders.

It would also prepare for kids for doing the, own laundry in their teen years, which is a great way to teach kids to take better care of their own clothes.

SHOULD YOU PAY FOR CHORES?

Think carefully before you decide to pay children for doing household chores. Sometimes parents begin this practice and then find it difficult to maintain. In addition, paying children for jobs sometimes brings out the worst in them. Some of them will continually try to negotiate new terms with parents, asking for more money for extra chores and bargaining about the ones they are doing.

It takes a lot of work to run a household and it usually takes a family working together to make it run smoothly. And just as importantly, the knowledge, skills and sense of responsibility children gain from doing housework will last them a lifetime.