We also gave our kids allowance around age 4 (not connected to doing chores … they were expected to do chores because they were part of our family). The allowance was a wonderful way to teach them about money and to end begging at the store. When they wanted to buy something we said “Sure, you can buy that as long as you have the money for it.” My daughter thought long and hard before parting with any of her money. My son rapidly spent whatever came his way. Both kids learned that once you spend your money it’s gone!

Just this week, Jaden received a movie that he really wanted. We discussed it while in the store and I started asking him what he had done really special in the last couple of weeks. He talked about helping to clean the living room (which he did and vacuumed with the little hand held vac) and kept his room clean. After that discussion, it was easy to offer up the video and he understood that his positive behavior and assistance is why he received the movie.

We do have reward charts and pocket money but neither are true incentive for cleaning up since their mess really is their responsibility. I’m always quick to offer the (I feed, house, and clothe) you routine if the older one wants to complain.

They’re also supposed to put their laundry directly into the hamper in the laundry so I don’t have to go looking for it when I want to do a load.

Praise works for the most part, so does incentives like having a tidy home to share with school friends etc. I think the most effective way to ensure kids do the chores they’re supposed to is consistency. I know that’s my greatest problem when it comes to keeping the house tidy. I’m not in there every night walking them through it. Lax leadership leads and a poor example is going to bring out the worst in them. I think you must already be great in that department since your 4yo is already amazingly cooperative.